Brazil consider Dhaka training base ahead of October 3 friendly in Kolkata
Brazil National Football Team are exploring the possibility of using Dhaka as a training base ahead of their October 3 friendly against India in Kolkata, after a five-member Brazilian delegation arrived in Dhaka on August 23 to inspect facilities. The Bangladesh Football Federation said discussions took place but no firm decision has been reached.
The delegation visited the National Stadium, Bashundhara Kings Arena and several hotels as part of preparations for Brazil’s Asian tour, Bangladesh Football Federation president Tabith Awal told The Daily Star. Awal confirmed that a potential training session in Dhaka and the option of a friendly against Bangladesh were discussed. The group assessed the condition of pitches and surrounding facilities and held talks on cooperation covering infrastructure, pitch development, coaching, sports science and friendly matches.
Brazil are scheduled to play Australia in Townsville and Brisbane on September 25 and 29 before travelling to Kolkata on October 3, and a Dhaka training base would represent an additional option between those Australia fixtures and the India friendly. The discussions in Dhaka do not yet amount to a confirmed change to that itinerary.
On the condition of local venues, Awal said the delegation judged the playing surfaces acceptable while noting shortcomings in support facilities. "The delegation found the pitches and adjacent areas at both the National Stadium and Bashundhara Kings Arena to be of an acceptable standard for the Brazilian national team, although some improvements are required to additional infrastructure, including dressing rooms, technical staff areas and security at entry and exit gates," Awal said.
Brazil have also been linked with a possible friendly against Bangladesh on October 5 or 6, but Bangladesh’s participation in the FIFA ASEAN Cup, which runs from September 24 to October 4 in Indonesia, complicates that possibility. Those scheduling constraints mean a Bangladesh match is not confirmed.
Reports say the CBF delegation flagged problems with the playing surface at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium—thin grass coverage, an uneven surface and concerns over turf maintenance—which were seen as a potential injury risk for Brazil’s players. With high-profile names such as Vinicius Jr. expected to feature, the delegation indicated improvements would be required before the match. The fixture has also attracted criticism over its reported cost: former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia questioned the reported Rs 50-70 crore expenditure and urged fans to boycott the fixture "in a show of protest for the side withdrawing from the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026."
Brazil have never played in Bangladesh, making a Dhaka visit a new possibility for the country’s supporters, but for now the Brazilian itinerary remains the Australia fixtures on September 25 and 29 followed by the Kolkata friendly on October 3, with the Dhaka option still under discussion.
