India likely to face Cape Verde in October after Brazil friendly: Reports
The Blue Tigers are likely to face the African side on October 6.
After Brazil, the Indian football team could have another high-profile international friendly on its calendar in October, with Cape Verde reportedly lined up as the opponent.
According to reports from Hindustan Times and The Telegraph, India are likely to face the African side on October 6, three days after their much-anticipated clash against Brazil in Kolkata.
The venue for the Cape Verde fixture is yet to be finalised. Kolkata and Kochi are the two options being considered, with the Salt Lake Stadium and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium emerging as the possible venues.
If confirmed, the fixture would give head coach Khalid Jamil another opportunity to test his squad against quality opposition during the October FIFA international window.
India could face Cape Verde three days after Brazil clash
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India are scheduled to take on five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil on October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The Blue Tigers could then face Cape Verde on October 6, although the fixture is yet to receive official confirmation.
The African nation impressed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cape Verde held eventual champions Spain to a goalless draw and pushed Argentina into extra time in the last-16 before eventually bowing out.
A match against such opposition would provide India with another demanding test.
The AIFF is also reportedly looking to arrange another friendly before the Brazil encounter, meaning India could potentially have a packed October window.
Kolkata or Kochi could host Cape Verde friendly
The AIFF is reportedly considering two venues for the proposed fixture.
The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi are being assessed as possible venues for the October 6 match.
The choice will depend on the availability and suitability of the stadiums, along with the logistical requirements for staging a FIFA international.
India are also expected to begin their preparations around the start of the FIFA international window on September 21.
A training camp could be held in Kolkata, allowing Jamil to work with his squad before the Brazil match and the proposed Cape Verde fixture.
Brazil delegation set to inspect Kolkata facilities
Preparations for the Brazil game are also moving into an important phase.
A Brazilian delegation is set to visit Kolkata to inspect the arrangements for their October 3 fixture against India.
The delegation will visit the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday evening to assess the facilities, playing surface and other matchday requirements.
Brazil are expected to travel with a contingent of more than 90 people, including players and members of the coaching staff. The visiting officials could also assess facilities such as the dressing rooms and medical and recovery areas.
One of the requirements could be the availability of ice-bath facilities inside the dressing room, which are currently not available at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The inspection will therefore play an important role in determining whether the existing facilities meet Brazil’s requirements.
Also Read: Brazil delegation set to inspect Kolkata venues and facilities ahead of India friendly
India could face four FIFA World Cup 2026 teams
If the Cape Verde fixture goes ahead, India could face an unprecedented run of opponents from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Blue Tigers are already scheduled to play Brazil in October and could face Cape Verde three days later. They are also set to play New Zealand twice away from home in November.
That would give India four matches against teams that featured at the 2026 World Cup in a single calendar year.
For Jamil, such a schedule could offer invaluable experience against higher-ranked opposition. It would also give the Indian team a chance to test itself against different styles before entering another important phase of international football.
When could India play Cape Verde?
India are reportedly likely to face Cape Verde on October 6, 2026, although the fixture has not yet been officially confirmed. Kolkata and Kochi are reportedly being considered as the venues. The Salt Lake Stadium and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium are the two options.
When will India play Brazil?
India will face Brazil on October 3, 2026, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.