Uruguay beat India 6-1 at VYBK in Kolkata to finish international window

Uruguay defeated India 6-1 at the VYBK in Kolkata on October 6, 2026, sealing the Blue Tigers’ final fixture of the September-October FIFA international window. The result followed India’s draw with Panama and a 4-0 loss to Brazil during the same series of high-profile friendlies.

Khalid Jamil’s India played three matches against World Cup-participating nations in the window, gaining experience despite heavy defeats. The Blue Tigers opened brightly in Kolkata, enjoying early possession and phase-of-play control, but were ultimately outscored by La Celeste. The match at Salt Lake Stadium served as the last international game of the window for India and provided both positives and areas for improvement for the squad.

India began the match with intent — Anwar Ali produced a long-range effort from the 18-yard box in the sixth minute that went wide — before Uruguay were awarded a penalty after Pramveer fouled Pioquerez. Darwin Nunez converted the spot kick in the 11th minute to give Uruguay the lead, and Anirudh Thapa levelled for India in the 23rd minute after a free ball from Ryan Williams that Cardozo failed to handle.

Play was paused due to heavy weather and a thunderstorm in Kolkata, and after the break Uruguay regained control; Maxi Araujo scored in the 28th minute with an assist from Nandez. The report notes that the India-origin star, who has also scored in the FIFA World Cup 2026, wrote his name on the scoresheet following that sequence.

The second half saw Uruguay extend their advantage through a sustained attacking display rather than a defensive hold-up approach; Rodrigo scored in the 53rd minute and Maxi Araujo struck again in the 59th minute to put La Celeste three goals clear. Sanabria then converted a well-placed delivery from the right wing, assisted by Pellistri, to make it 5-1 in the 71st minute, and Aguirre added Uruguay’s sixth goal later in the half.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s goalkeeping drew attention after the match, with coverage noting he conceded five goals against the away side following four goals conceded across India’s previous two fixtures. Observers flagged the result as a significant defensive concern for the Blue Tigers ahead of upcoming matches.

India are scheduled to face New Zealand in November during the next international window, marking the next confirmed fixture following the conclusion of the September-October series.