Lallianzuala Chhangte urges India to savour tests against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama
On August 29, 2026 Mohun Bagan and India forward Lallianzuala Chhangte spoke about India’s upcoming home matches against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama and described them as a major opportunity and challenge for the national team.
Chhangte, who has been described in coverage as one of the leading forwards in Indian football, said the visits by Brazil, Uruguay and Panama will provide significant tests for the squad. He noted the stature of the opponents, with Brazil identified as five-time world champions and Uruguay as two-time world champions, and pointed to Panama’s placement as 44th-ranked. The forward framed the fixtures as occasions to measure the team’s limits and capabilities on home soil. He emphasized the physical and mental demands the matches will present.
On the nature of the challenge, Chhangte said: "I think, from a player’s point of view, it’s a huge opportunity to play against some of the best countries in the world. This will test our limits and show us how good we really are. We will be tested physically and mentally."
Addressing the team’s mindset ahead of the games, Chhangte said: "I think we just have to enjoy the game. We don’t have to think about what could happen or the results. Forget about that. We just have to enjoy the moments that we have playing against these countries," he said confidently.
On outcomes and effort, Chhangte added: "Of course, we would love to win. We will give our best; that’s guaranteed. But whatever happens, we just have to enjoy the game," he added.
The piece was reported by Rohit Mistri, a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience covering Indian football. Mistri's work has included on-ground reporting, match coverage and interviews, and he has written on tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League.
India will play 44th-ranked Panama at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26. They will face five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, and then meet two-time world champions Uruguay in Kolkata on October 6.