Our Bureau
Brasilia
Brazil have announced a 26-member squad for their historic FIFA friendly against India in Kolkata on October 3, with Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Endrick and Barcelona forward Raphinha among the headline names. The five-time world champions are expected to arrive in Kolkata on September 30 as they begin preparations for a new international cycle.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said the upcoming friendlies would mark the beginning of preparations for the team’s objectives at the 2028 Copa America and 2030 World Cup. Before travelling to India, Brazil will play Australia twice.
The squad also includes several prominent names such as Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães, Douglas Luiz and Chelsea youngster Estêvão. The selection combines experienced internationals with emerging players as Ancelotti looks to build the next phase of the Brazilian national team.
The Kolkata fixture will be historic as India and Brazil have never previously met at senior men’s international level. The match has already generated considerable excitement among Indian football fans, with tickets reportedly selling rapidly after going on sale on September 2.
The match will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium. However, preparations have not been without challenges. A Brazilian Football Confederation delegation inspected the pitch in August and raised concerns over its uneven surface. The CBF subsequently sent a two-member expert team to work on the stadium turf.
India have also named a 26-member squad for their upcoming friendly schedule. The team will first face Panama in Bengaluru on September 25 before taking on Brazil in Kolkata and Uruguay on October 6.
With some of the biggest names in world football set to visit Kolkata, the Brazil-India encounter is expected to become a landmark occasion for Indian football.