Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Khalid vows India will fight Brazil, Uruguay and Panama
India’s football team will soon play three much stronger teams: Panama, Brazil and Uruguay.
The games will be held in India in September and October.
Coach Khalid Jamil says his team will try to compete instead of simply trying to lose by fewer goals.
Brazil, Uruguay and Panama all have higher FIFA rankings than India.
Khalid has selected some young players and left out several experienced ones.
He says this is part of building a team for the future.
India also has a challenge finding goals after Sunil Chhetri retired from international football.
The coach is asking fans to support the players during these difficult matches.
India will play Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in friendlies scheduled for September and October.
Coach Khalid Jamil rejected preparing to limit defeats, saying India will fight until the end.
India are ranked 138th, behind Panama at 44th, Uruguay at 20th and Brazil at fifth.
Khalid selected a 26-member squad while dropping several senior players and planning for the future.
India will also play two matches against New Zealand in New Zealand in November.
- Who
- India, coached by Khalid Jamil, will face Panama, Brazil and Uruguay.
- What
- India will play three high-profile international friendly matches and has announced a 26-member squad.
- When
- Panama is scheduled for September 26; Brazil and Uruguay will play on October 3 and 6; two matches against New Zealand are planned for November.
- Where
- Panama will play India in Bengaluru, while Brazil and Uruguay will play at Salt Lake Stadium; the New Zealand matches will be held in New Zealand.
- Why
- The matches are intended to help Indian football and provide an opportunity to prepare younger players for the future.
Khalid’s outlook
Concerns and criticism
Approach to stronger opponents
Khalid’s outlook
Khalid says no coach should prepare a team to lose or merely contain the margin, and promises India will fight until the end.
Concerns and criticism
India are ranked 138th, while Brazil, Uruguay and Panama are ranked fifth, 20th and 44th respectively, making the matches highly challenging.
Squad selection
Khalid’s outlook
Khalid says India must think about the future, find a long-term partner for Anwar Ali and give younger players opportunities.
Concerns and criticism
The coach has faced criticism over India’s unimpressive performances, while senior players including Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco and Lallianzuala Chhangte were left out.
Attacking options
Khalid’s outlook
Khalid named six frontline players, citing Edmund Lalrindika’s form, Rahim Ali and Ryan Williams’ experience.
Concerns and criticism
India have had a striker problem for several years, and Sunil Chhetri’s international retirement has increased uncertainty over where goals will come from.
- India FIFA ranking
- 138th
- Brazil FIFA ranking
- 5th
- Uruguay FIFA ranking
- 20th
- Panama FIFA ranking
- 44th
- Scheduled venues
- Bengaluru for Panama; Salt Lake Stadium for Brazil and Uruguay
- India squad
- 26 players announced for the international window
- Additional fixtures
- Two matches against New Zealand are planned in November