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India Face Brazil in Historic Kolkata International Friendly
India played Brazil in a football friendly in Kolkata.
Brazil are one of the world’s strongest teams, while India are ranked much lower.
The report said Brazil were ranked sixth and India 138th.
Vinicius Jr. started for Brazil, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was in goal for India.
The match took place at Salt Lake Stadium.
Some people saw the game as an important moment for Indian football.
Others questioned whether the match was worth its cost.
There were empty seats before the game, despite the excitement around Brazil’s visit.
India hosted Brazil at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in an official FIFA international friendly.
Brazil were ranked sixth in the world, while India were ranked 138th, according to the report.
Vinicius Jr. was named in Brazil’s starting lineup; Gurpreet Singh Sandhu started in goal for India.
India’s lineup also included Anwar Ali, Anirudh Thapa, Apuia, Manvir Singh and Sahal Abdul Samad.
The report described empty seats before kickoff and noted concerns about ticket prices and the match’s cost.
- Who
- India and Brazil’s national football teams; Vinicius Jr. started for Brazil.
- What
- An official FIFA international friendly football match.
- Where
- Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, India.
- When
- October 3, 2026.
- Why
- The match was arranged as an international friendly; the articles describe it as a notable occasion for Indian football.
Supporters of the match
Critics and concerns
Value of hosting Brazil
Supporters of the match
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu described playing the five-time world champions as a huge honour and said India wanted to face major teams.
Critics and concerns
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia had expressed displeasure about the match, and the report noted questions about its relevance and cost.
Attendance and ticketing
Supporters of the match
The match was presented as a historic occasion, and organizers and broadcasters highlighted the crowd and atmosphere.
Critics and concerns
A reporter at the stadium observed many empty seats before kickoff; the report also said tickets were not among the cheapest and the All India Football Federation urged people to buy them.
Key facts
- Venue
- Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
- Match
- India vs Brazil FIFA international friendly
- Date
- October 3, 2026
- Brazil FIFA ranking cited
- Sixth
- India FIFA ranking cited
- 138th
- Brazil starter noted
- Vinicius Jr.
- India goalkeeper
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Quotes
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Indian goalkeeper who discussed the friendly ahead of the match.
“We’re a team that mostly plays opponents from Asia, and sometimes from Africa. To hear we will be playing Brazil came as a bit of a surprise. Now that it is coming to fruition, though, I feel very proud. They are one of the biggest teams in the world, and we want to play against such teams. I know it is only a friendly — it is not like India are playing Brazil in the World Cup. Still, to play against the five-time champions is a huge honour.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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