Brazil to play India in Kolkata friendly in 2026

India will host the Brazil national team in an international friendly on October 3, 2026. The match will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

For the Indian team, known as the Blue Tigers, it presents a major challenge against world-class opposition. Coach Khalid Jamil's side will have a chance to demonstrate their progress on a global stage. The fixture is not, however, the first time a major international side has visited India.

Argentina's historic visits

The Argentina national team, claiming millions of Indian supporters, has played in the country multiple times. Their first trip was in January 1984 for the Nehru Cup. Much of Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning squad participated, including Jorge Burruchaga, who scored against Romania's U21 side during the tournament. Argentina returned in 2011 for a friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium, featuring Lionel Messi, Angel di Maria, and Nicolas Otamendi in front of 75,000 fans.

Uruguay's Nehru Cup triumph

Two-time world champions Uruguay also featured in India, playing in the inaugural Nehru Cup in Kolkata. Their squad included legendary midfielder Enzo Francescoli, who scored their first goal of the tournament. Uruguay went unbeaten to the final, where they defeated China 2-0 with goals from Jorge da Silva and Carlos Nadal.

Other notable visitors

South Korea participated in the 1982 Nehru Cup alongside hosts India and China. The team went unbeaten, scoring ten goals, but managed only one win in four matches.

Poland, a premier side at the time, won the first Nehru Cup in 1982. They defeated India in their opening match and beat China in the final in front of 85,000 spectators in Kolkata, with Roman Wojcicki scoring the winner.

Hungary, a historic football nation, took part in the 1991 Nehru Cup in Thiruvananthapuram. They reached the final but lost to Romania's B side, finishing as runners-up.

Cameroon, a five-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, has played in India on several occasions, mostly in the Nehru Cup. They finished third in 1983 and 1993. Cameroon also featured in the final edition of the tournament in 2012, losing to hosts India on penalties.

The source, Khel Now, lists these teams as the biggest national sides to have played in India prior to Brazil's scheduled 2026 visit.