Ganguly backs India facing Brazil, Uruguay and Panama in October friendlies

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, speaking in Kolkata on August 31, 2026, welcomed the Indian football team’s opportunity to play international friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama that are scheduled for early October.

Ganguly, who is president of the Cricket Association of Bengal and a former co-owner of Indian Super League club ATK FC, made his comments after the All India Football Federation outlined plans for the matches. He said regular exposure to stronger opponents is important for player development.

Responding to a question from the AIFF, Ganguly said: "It is good. Why wouldn’t it be good to play football against big teams?"

He urged that such opportunities be held frequently, stating: "This needs to happen throughout the year so that players get proper exposure. I always believe that playing against teams better than yourself helps improve your own game," he said.

Drawing a comparison with cricket, Ganguly added: "Look at cricket, they play against top-quality teams round the year, which is why they get better. The same approach needs to be applied here," he added.

The All India Football Federation is organising the friendlies in Kolkata and Bengaluru, with the fixtures scheduled for early October.