4 days ago
Chhetri Feels Jealous as India Prepares for Brazil, Uruguay
Sunil Chhetri used to be the captain of India’s football team.
He said he is happy that today’s players can play against very famous teams.
He also said he feels a little jealous because he never had the same chance.
India is scheduled to play Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in 2026.
The Panama match is planned for September 26 in Bengaluru.
Brazil and Uruguay are scheduled to play in Kolkata on October 3 and October 6.
Chhetri said the players should stay fit and learn from these important games.
He also said players, coaches, officials, administrators and the media should work together instead of blaming one another.
Former India captain Sunil Chhetri said he feels happy but a little jealous that the current team will face Brazil, Uruguay and Panama.
India is scheduled to play Panama on September 26, Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6, 2026.
The Brazil and Uruguay friendlies are scheduled at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, while Panama will be hosted at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
Chhetri said he never received a similar opportunity during nearly 20 years with India or 24–26 years as a professional.
He urged the players to stay fit, compete strongly and make the most of the experience, while calling for unity across Indian football.
- Who
- Former India captain Sunil Chhetri and the current Indian national football team.
- What
- India is scheduled to play international friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay.
- Where
- Panama will be hosted at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru; Brazil and Uruguay will be hosted at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
- When
- The matches are scheduled for September 26, October 3 and October 6, 2026.
- Why
- The All India Football Federation arranged the fixtures to give India matches against World Cup-playing nations; one report says India withdrew from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to host them.
Key facts
- Speaker
- Sunil Chhetri
- Opponents
- Brazil, Uruguay and Panama
- Schedule
- Panama on September 26, Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6, 2026
- Venues
- Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru for Panama; Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata for Brazil and Uruguay
- Chhetri’s reaction
- He said he was happy but a little jealous as a spectator
- Career comparison
- Chhetri said he spent nearly 20 years with India and 24–26 years as a professional without receiving a similar opportunity
- Advice
- He urged the players to stay fit, compete for places and make the most of the matches
Quotes
Sunil Chhetri
Former Indian national-team footballer speaking to reporters after the Indian Football Awards 2026
“The Indian football graph, for as many years as I’ve played, has always been like this. We’re probably in a phase where things are not going very well, because of what we’ve done with the national team, what we’ve done in the league, etcetera. But we all have to be hopeful.”
firstpost.com
“I feel a little jealous as a spectator. In my 24–26 years as a professional and nearly 20 years with the national team, I never got an opportunity like this.”
telegraphindia.com
firstpost.com
indianexpress.com
Sources
I Am A Little Jealous: Sunil Chhetri's Candid Admission On India's Blockbuster Battle Against Brazil
'I'm Little Bit Jealous': Sunil Chhetri's Candid Admission As Indian Football Team Prepare To Face Brazil & Uruguay | Video
Chhetri is ‘a little jealous’ as India gets Brazil, Uruguay football fixtures ahead
Chhetri admits envy as India hosts Brazil, Uruguay in friendlies; stresses need for unity
‘Feel a little jealous’: Chhetri on India playing matches vs Brazil, Uruguay
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