Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti excited to play against India in front of passionate supporters in Kolkata

Brazil football team has massive fanbase in Kolkata

The Indian Football team are set to play their biggest game in the history when they take on five-time world champions Brazil in the upcoming friendly fixture at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, also referred to as the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for football fans all across the length and breadth of this country to watch the Brazil national team play on Indian soil.

The South American giants, led by the legendary five-time Champions League-winning gaffer, Carlo Ancelotti, will be in action alongside his star-studded Brazilian squad, including the likes of Vini Jr, Raphinha, PSG captain Marquinhos and Arsenal’s duo of Gabriel Magalhaes and Bruno Guimaraes.

The marquee FIFA International window where three World Cup-playing nations, including two former world champions, kickstarted on a strong note as India drew against Panama 1-1, a side ranked 94 spots above India in the FIFA rankings.

There is a lot of excitement and buzz ahead of this marquee fixture. With less than a week remaining for the high-profile game, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his excitement to come and play against India in front of such a passionate fanbase.

Brazilian legend Pele has played in Kolkata previously

The Mecca of Indian Football in the cultural capital of India gears up to host the marquee clash. Previously, Brazilian legend Pelé and Carlos Alberto played at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata during an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan and the New York Cosmos.

India, despite never qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, enjoys massive attention and support for international and European football. The City of Joy has hosted world champions like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona previously, and South American teams generally attract massive support from local fans in Bengal.

During the FIFA World Cup and Copa America, the narrow lanes of North Kolkata and the bustling corners of South Kolkata transform into a mini Rio de Janeiro. Sighting locals wearing Brazil’s yellow jersey and erupting in joy while walking past the vibrant adda hubs in Gariahat when Brazil scores a goal is quite common.

Carlo Ancelotti said, “It’s a great pleasure for us to be there to play a friendly game against India. India has a lot of football supporters and a lot of supporters for the Brazilian national team. It will be a pleasure for us to be there and play a fantastic game, and to enjoy the moment with all the supporters of football.”

Brazil are winless so far in Australia

It has not been an ideal start for the South American giants as they kickstarted their Asian odyssey with a 1-1 draw against Australia in Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

Nestory Irankunda of Sporting CP grabbed a lot of attention in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after his performance against Turkiye. He rose to the occasion once again and scored a brilliant free kick in the 68th minute that stunned the footballing world.

Brazil fielded a star-studded squad and were inching closer to the defeat but a late stoppage minute goal from Bournemouth’s Rayan salavaged some respect for the five time world champions.

Brazil will play another friendly game against the Socceroos in Brisbane before flying to the City of Joy to lock horns with Khalid Jamil’s India on October 3rd at the Salt Lake Stadium.

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