How can Indian football team line up for their international friendly against Brazil?
The Blue Tigers will face the Seleção on the 3rd of October in Kolkata.
India are all set to face the five-time World Cup winners, the Brazilian national football team, on the 3rd of October 2026, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.
After a historic draw against the 44th-ranked Panama national football team last friday, the Blue Tigers are geared to lock horns with Brazil as their next opponent in their FIFA window. The match against Brazil will be the first meeting between the two nations and the highest-ranked teams that India have faced since the modern FIFA rankings were introduced.
With headline stars, including the likes of Vinicius Junior, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bruno Guimaraes, and Endrick, travelling to Kolkata for their clash against India, here is a look at how India could line up for their landmark fixture against Brazil.
GK – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
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Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is yet again expected to start for the Blue Tigers in the historic Brazil clash. The Bengaluru FC goalkeeper started in the match against Panama and looked sharp throughout the game, making some crucial saves and blocks and was also involved in the build-up from the back.
Apart from the second-half goal conceded, where Gurpreet could not have done anything more, the keeper was worth every penny between the sticks.
RB – Abhishek Singh Tekcham
Photos : Rajesh G / AIFF
Abhishek Singh was arguably one of the best players for India on the pitch. The 21-year-old showed high tactical maturity and completely dominated the right flank and nullified the Panama players whenever they made attempts to attack.
Apart from that, he was also seen venturing into the attacking half to contribute offensively and displayed a solid performance, worthy of considering him as the choice-one right back.
CB – Bijoy Varghese
Photos : Rajesh G / AIFF
In the absence of Sandesh Jhingan, the Kerala-born defender Bijoy Varghese stepped up to take responsibility in the match against Panama and created a solid fortress, which the Panama players struggled to break past.
Bijoy showed aggression in individual ground duels and was clinical in making interceptions, and even made a last-ditch tackle in the last game in stoppage time to help India secure the 1-1 draw.
CB – Anwar Ali
Anwar Ali was the heart of the defence and, along with Bijoy, the East Bengal defender ensured that the Indian defence did not succumb in front of Panama.
Anchored the central defence with calm leadership. Intercepted dangerous through balls, won his aerial duels, and was instrumental in building attacks cleanly from the defensive third.
Also Read: Indian Football Team Rival Watch: Brazil
LB – Akash Mishra
Photos : Baranidharan M / AIFF
Akash Mishra has had a good few months wearing the Indian jersey. In the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match against Hong Kong, it was Akash Mishra’s second-half goal that drove the nail in the coffin and secured India a win.
In the last match against Panama, the left-back provided a searching long ball to Ryan Williams, which ultimately helped the Blue Tigers break the deadlock of the game. Coming to his defensive contributions, Mishra displayed defensive solidity and was very active in making progressive passes.
RM – Vikram Partap Singh
Photos : Rajesh G / AIFF
From the first whistle, Vikram Partap Singh consistently pressed opponents, forced errors, and won back possession for India. Vikram chased down every lost cause and pressed high to disrupt Panama’s build-up play.
He had the pace and determination and played a pivotal role in the offensive half and is likely to feature in the starting eleven against Brazil.
CM – Lalengmawia Ralte
Photos : Baranidharan / AIFF
Apuia controlled the tempo in central midfield. Displayed excellent press resistance, linked defence to attack efficiently, and consistently broke up Panama’s build-up play in the middle third.
With a notable contribution in attack and defence, Apuia is also expected to be a part of the starting lineup for the upcoming match.
CM – Anirudh Thapa
Anirudh Thapa came on in the second half of the last match to provide fresh legs in central midfield. Offered defensive stability, kept possession tidy, and helped sustain pressure during the closing stages.
Thapa remained composed when Panama pressed in the final moments, used his experience well, and looked solid in midfield.
Also Read: Four player battles to watch out for in India vs Brazil
LM – Ashique Kuruniyan
Photos : Rajesh G / AIFF
Ashique offered physical presence and direct pace on the flank for the Blue Tigers and did well to track back and relentlessly support Akash Mishra in the defence.
Even though Ashique looked a bit shaky in positioning, he delivered a couple of teasing crosses into the penalty box, which potentially could have found the back of the net if they were connected properly.
The Ashique-Manvir-Ryan combo was very potent in attack and is expected to continue against the Seleção.
CF – Manvir Singh
Manvir worked tirelessly up front to disrupt Panama’s initial build-up play. Occupied central defenders and held up play effectively. Manvir was exceptional when it came to beating opponents, both in terms of pace and physicality, and was also a contributor to a good number of crosses and cut-backs into the six-yard area.
Complemented well with Ryan Williams and played a significant role in piling pressure on the opponents with his offensive initiatives.
CF – Ryan Williams
Ryan Williams spearheaded the Indian offensive unit and played his heart and soul out in the match against Panama. The forward kept his eyes on the ball, had the presence of mind and kept knocking on the opponent’s door whenever he had control of the ball.
His off-the-ball movement, relentless pressing, and direct ball carrying consistently displaced Panama’s backline, and a late first-half goal from Ryan broke the deadlock and helped the Blue Tigers end the game in a stalemate.
When will India play Brazil?
India will face Brazil on 3 October 2026 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Who is the head coach of India?
Khalid Jamil is the head coach of India.
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