The fixtures are expected to attract significant attention, with India taking on Panama in Bengaluru on September 26, before facing five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time world champions Uruguay on October 6. The AIFF has lined up a high-profile series of international friendlies as India prepare to face three higher-ranked opponents. Both matches against the South American giants will be played in Kolkata.
They also featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding further significance to the September 26 encounter. Because that’s what you need, it will give our footballers valuable exposure. Meanwhile, former India captain Sourav Ganguly praised Brazil’s footballing pedigree and expressed hope that the five-time world champions travel to India with a strong squad. Ganguly believes playing against a team of Brazil’s calibre would give Indian footballers valuable exposure and help them improve. “Football is a brilliant sport, and I really enjoy watching it. Brazil is one of the greatest footballing nations in the world, so I hope they come here with a very strong team. Also Read – Robert Lewandowski delivers verdict on Barcelona signing Rodri: ‘He knows what the team needs’ The Brazil clash is undoubtedly the biggest of the three fixtures, with the five-time world champions expected to bring a star-studded squad and attract plenty of attention. Uruguay, despite a dip in stature in recent years, will also be a blockbuster encounter given their pedigree and history in international football. The Panama game may not carry the same glamour, but it could prove equally important for India as they look to make the most of the opportunity. Ranked 44th in the world, Panama will provide India with a high-quality test and a chance to measure themselves against a competitive side.
When you play against players who are better than you, it helps you improve and become a better footballer,” Ganguly told the reporters on Thursday.
