India reported to be lining up Cape Verde friendly on October 6 after Brazil match
Reports say India are likely to play Cape Verde on October 6, three days after a scheduled friendly against Brazil in Kolkata on October 3 during the October FIFA international window.
Hindustan Times and The Telegraph reported the potential Cape Verde fixture, but the match has not yet been officially confirmed and the venue remains undecided. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is assessing Kolkata and Kochi as host cities, with Salt Lake Stadium and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium named among the possible venues.
The proposed October fixtures would give head coach Khalid Jamil an additional opportunity to test his squad against strong opposition during the international window. India are scheduled to face Brazil on October 3, and the Cape Verde game, if finalised for October 6, would follow three days later; the AIFF is also reportedly trying to arrange another friendly before the Brazil match.
Cape Verde’s performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is cited as a reason for the proposed match, with the African side holding eventual champions Spain to a goalless draw and taking Argentina to extra time in the last-16 before bowing out. Those results are presented in reports as indicating the level of opposition India would face.
A Brazilian delegation is due to inspect Kolkata arrangements for the October 3 fixture, visiting the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday evening to review the playing surface, facilities and other matchday requirements. Reports state Brazil are expected to travel with a contingent of more than 90 people, including players and members of the coaching staff, and visiting officials may assess dressing rooms and medical and recovery areas.
The inspection has already highlighted specific facility needs: reports say ice-bath facilities inside the Salt Lake Stadium dressing rooms are currently not available. The AIFF is reportedly considering stadium availability, suitability and logistical requirements as factors in selecting a venue for the potential Cape Verde game.
India are expected to begin preparations around the start of the FIFA international window on September 21, with a training camp possibly to be held in Kolkata so Jamil can work with his squad ahead of the Brazil match and the proposed Cape Verde fixture.
If confirmed, the Cape Verde game would add to a sequence of matches against 2026 World Cup participants: India are already scheduled to play Brazil and are set to face New Zealand twice away in November, which would result in four matches against teams that featured at the 2026 World Cup in a single calendar year. India will face Brazil on October 3, 2026, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.