Brazil In Talks To Play International Friendly In Kolkata This October: Report

Brazil’s men’s football team could play an international friendly in India later this year. According to a report by ESPN Brasil on Friday (July 24), the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has finalised the schedule for the team’s first FIFA international window following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In addition to two friendlies against Australia—on September 25 in Townsville and September 29 in Brisbane—the CBF is reportedly in talks to arrange a third match in India in October.

According to the report, the proposed match is expected to be held in Kolkata, which previously hosted an international fixture between Argentina and Venezuela in 2011 featuring Lionel Messi.

The report added that discussions between the Brazilian Football Confederation

(CBF) and the event organisers began during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Brazil enjoyed tremendous support from Indian fans. The Selecao’s popularity in the region during the tournament reportedly played a key role in initiating the talks.

As per ESPN Brasil, the proposed fixtures are part of FIFA’s new ‘Super International Window’, which allows national teams to play up to four matches over a 16-day period, including both competitive and friendly fixtures. The revised international calendar also includes dedicated windows in March, June, a combined September-October period, and November.

The report further stated that the CBF aims to increase the number of international friendlies played in Brazil from 2027 onwards, with a focus on taking the national team to cities that do not regularly host Selecao matches.

Brazil’s performance in FIFA World Cup 2026

Brazil endured a disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, winning three of their five matches before suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The defeat brought the five-time champions’ campaign to an abrupt end.

Following Brazil’s exit from the tournament, Neymar Jr., the country’s all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football, announced his retirement from international football.

Vinicius Jr. finished as Brazil’s leading scorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with four goals in five matches. Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha also impressed, scoring three goals—two against Haiti and one against Scotland. Casemiro, Gabriel Martinelli and Neymar chipped in with one goal each during Brazil’s World Cup campaign.