Ancelotti excited to face India in Kolkata friendly on October 3

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was excited to play India in the upcoming friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, also referred to as the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 3rd.

The fixture has been billed as one of the biggest in Indian football history as five-time world champions Brazil, managed by Ancelotti, prepare to visit. The Brazilian squad travelling to India includes Vinícius Jr, Raphinha, PSG captain Marquinhos and Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhães and Bruno Guimarães. The match falls inside the marquee FIFA International window; India opened that window with a 1-1 draw against Panama, a side the report says is ranked 94 spots above India in the FIFA rankings.

Carlo Ancelotti said, “It’s a great pleasure for us to be there to play a friendly game against India. India has a lot of football supporters and a lot of supporters for the Brazilian national team. It will be a pleasure for us to be there and play a fantastic game, and to enjoy the moment with all the supporters of football.”

Kolkata’s football culture is highlighted in the report, noting previous visits by legends and South American sides that draw large crowds. It recalls Pelé and Carlos Alberto playing at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata during an exhibition between Mohun Bagan and the New York Cosmos, and states that the city has hosted Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona previously. The piece describes widespread local interest during the FIFA World Cup and Copa America, with narrow lanes of North Kolkata and corners of South Kolkata said to transform into a mini Rio de Janeiro and supporters commonly wearing Brazil’s yellow jersey in areas such as Gariahat.

Brazil’s preparations have included a 1-1 draw against Australia at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville as they began their Asian tour. The article notes Nestory Irankunda of Sporting CP had drawn attention in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after his performance against Turkiye and reports he scored a free kick in the 68th minute. It adds that Brazil, fielding a star-studded squad, were pushed close before a late stoppage-minute goal from Bournemouth’s Rayan salvaged some respect for the five-time world champions.

Brazil will play another friendly game against the Socceroos in Brisbane before flying to the City of Joy to lock horns with Khalid Jamil’s India on October 3rd at the Salt Lake Stadium.

The match on October 3rd at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) is therefore confirmed as the next fixture for Brazil in this tour, with the fixture forming the centerpiece of the FIFA international window for both sides.