Brazil in talks with India over friendly match

Interest in hosting the game

During the recent World Cup, Kolkata became a vibrant location thanks to murals featuring Neymar and Vinícius Júnior adorning the city streets, particularly in North Kolkata. Although organizers from Bangladesh, Singapore, and Qatar also showed interest, negotiations have advanced only with India.

The CBF rejected proposals to include more games in the region due to the need for team recovery and logistics. The proposed match is scheduled after Brazil's exit from the 2026 World Cup group stage following a loss to Norway under head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Context and historical significance

This match in Kolkata will be a central event of the 16-day 'Super Football Window,' running from late September to early October. Despite favorable offers from authorities in Dhaka, Singapore, and Doha, negotiations with Indian organizers bypassed competing bids, moving directly to administrative procedures before signing the final agreement.

If confirmed, this will be the first major appearance of the Brazilian national team in Kolkata, adding to the city's history of encounters with global football legends. If the negotiations are successful, Kolkata will revive a long-standing nearly fifty-year connection with South American football. Since Pelé played at Eden Gardens Stadium against Mohun Bagan from New York Cosmos in September 1977, the city has admired the Brazilian style of play.

Transfer news

Meanwhile, goalkeeper from Cape Verde, Vozinja, one of the standout players of the 2026 World Cup, continues his impressive rise after reaching an agreement to transfer to Chilean club Colo-Colo. Club president Aníbal Mosas confirmed on Friday that the 40-year-old free agent will travel to Chile in the coming days for a medical examination before the transfer is finalized and the official presentation at Estadio Monumental.

Mosas had previously told reporters before the Colo-Colo versus Deportes Limache match that Vozinja would become a player for the club and that he would travel to Chile in the coming days to undergo standard medical checks before being presented at Estadio Monumental. Mosas noted that the experienced goalkeeper earned this opportunity through his outstanding performances at the World Cup, although he also acknowledged that the move brings commercial benefits to the Chilean club.