Indian football will witness one of its biggest matches when the Blue Tigers face five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil in an international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 3.The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the fixture on Thursday after reports in Brazilian media over the past few days.“A date for the history books. India vs Brazil FIFA International Friendly at Salt Lake Stadium on October 3,” the AIFF posted on its official X handle.The match will see India play the highest-ranked team they have faced since the FIFA World Ranking system was introduced in 1992. Brazil are currently ranked fifth in the world.Brazil, captained by Marquinhos and featuring players such as Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, are expected to travel to India after playing two friendlies against Australia in Queensland on September 25 and 29.The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had already announced those matches, while Brazilian outlet GE Globo reported that Brazil’s third game during the October FIFA window would be against India in Kolkata.The friendly comes a few months after Brazil’s FIFA World Cup campaign, where they were knocked out in the Round of 16.Even after that exit, Brazil continue to enjoy strong support in India, especially in Kolkata, where many fans once again decorated the streets in Brazil’s yellow and green colours during the World Cup.AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan said the match would be a major occasion for Indian football.“To welcome a team of Brazil’s stature to our country is an extraordinary moment and one that will undoubtedly become a landmark chapter in the history of Indian football,” he said.National Teams Director Subrata Paul said the match would give Indian players a rare chance to test themselves against one of the biggest football nations.“Experiences like these challenge players to grow, inspire them to dream bigger, and leave memories that stay with them throughout their careers,” he said.Kolkata’s long connection with BrazilBrazil’s visit also renews Kolkata’s long association with the South American side, which goes back nearly five decades.The city’s connection with Brazilian football began on September 24, 1977, when Pelé’s New York Cosmos played Mohun Bagan in an exhibition match at Eden Gardens. The match ended 2-2.Kolkata has also hosted other major football clubs, including German champions Bayern Munich, who played Mohun Bagan in Oliver Kahn’s farewell match in 2008.
