India sign letter of intent with Panama; Brazil friendly on Oct 3 as Blue Tigers could face four World Cup sides
India have signed a letter of intent with Panama for an international friendly during the September-October FIFA window and are already confirmed to play Brazil in Kolkata on October 3, according to a report by TOI. The Panama match is scheduled for the weekend of September 26-27, while India will travel to New Zealand for two away fixtures in November.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has not finalised a venue for the Panama game, the report adds, but the Brazil meeting is set in Kolkata on October 3. Preparations for the Brazil fixture have begun, with a five-member delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation visiting Kolkata to inspect stadium, training, accommodation, security and other match-related infrastructure. Brazil are expected to travel with a delegation of more than 90 people for the fixture.
A senior AIFF official told TOI: “There is a high possibility of an international friendly against another World Cup opponent on Oct 6. Brazil is done and Panama have agreed in principle to play in India. Talks are ongoing with three countries who featured at the last World Cup (for the third friendly during this window). A good result against any of the World Cuppers can boost Indian football’s morale and improve the rankings significantly.”
Panama are currently ranked 44th in the FIFA rankings and took part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 but did not advance from their group, which featured England, Croatia and Ghana. The Central American side is coached by Thomas Christiansen and, according to reports, are expected to travel to Japan after the India friendly to take part in the 2026 Kirin Cup alongside hosts Japan, Ecuador and New Zealand.
Prior reports linked India with a friendly against Cape Verde on October 6, three days after the Brazil fixture, but that match has not been officially confirmed by the AIFF. Cape Verde’s World Cup run in 2026 included a goalless draw with Spain and a last-16 tie against Argentina that went to extra time, details cited in the report.
India will face New Zealand twice in November, with the first match scheduled for November 12 in Auckland and a second fixture on November 15 in Christchurch. New Zealand were among the teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and those two away games would therefore also be matches against World Cup opposition.
If the Panama friendly and both New Zealand fixtures proceed as outlined, India will have four confirmed matches this year against teams that featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup; an additional October friendly under discussion could raise that total. Khalid Jamil’s squad will thus prepare for Panama in September, Brazil on October 3 and the two New Zealand fixtures in November as the immediate confirmed programme.