Why Uruguay are wearing pink socks vs India in International Friendly?
(Courtesy : Selección Uruguaya/X)
La Celeste make a symbolic change to their traditional kit when they face India at the VYBK in Kolkata
Uruguay make a symbolic change to their traditional matchday attire when they take on India in Kolkata on Tuesday, with La Celeste set to wear pink socks for the first time in the history of the national team.
The socks will feature the pink ribbon associated with breast cancer awareness as part of the Uruguayan Football Association’s (AUF) “ONCE” campaign, which is being conducted in collaboration with Uruguay’s Ministry of Public Health and the Honorary Commission for the Fight Against Cancer.
The initiative adds another layer to an already significant fixture for both teams. Uruguay, two-time FIFA World Cup champions, are all set to face India at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, with the match scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.
It will be the South American side’s first meeting with India since 1982, while the fixture marks another major test for Khalid Jamil’s side during a FIFA international window that has already seen them face Panama and Brazil.
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The pink socks will be worn as part of the AUF’s “ONCE” campaign, which uses football to promote breast cancer awareness and early detection. The campaign takes its name from the number of players on a football team, with the AUF linking the figure to the statistic that one in every 11 players could develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
The numbers behind the campaign show why the message is being taken to such a prominent sporting occasion. Uruguay records five new breast-cancer diagnoses every day, amounting to more than 1,800 cases a year. Importantly, 70% of women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease, while men account for around 1% of breast-cancer cases.
By taking the campaign onto the football pitch, the AUF hopes to use the visibility of the national team to encourage greater awareness of the importance of timely detection of Breast Cancer.
Also Read: How can Uruguay football team line up for their international friendly against India?
For Uruguay, however, the match itself remains the primary sporting focus. Diego Forlán’s side arrives in India looking to build momentum during a period of transition, having already played Japan and South Korea during the current international window.
Uruguay lost 3-1 to Japan before responding with a 4-1 victory over South Korea, and will now conclude their tour against India in Kolkata.
The fixture also represents a major opportunity for India to test themselves against another established World Cup nation. After drawing 1-1 with Panama and losing 4-0 to Brazil, the Blue Tigers will now face a La Celeste side ranked 20th in the FIFA rankings.
For Khalid Jamil’s team, the match offers another chance to prove themselves against opposition with incredible experience at the highest level of international football.
Why will Uruguay wear pink socks against India?
Uruguay will wear pink socks as part of the Uruguayan Football Association’s “ONCE” campaign, which promotes breast cancer awareness and early detection.
When will India face the La Celeste?
India will play against La Celeste on 6th October, 2026 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan VYBK in Kolkata. The is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST.
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