The Blue Tigers enter the fixture ranked 138th in the FIFA rankings, while Brazil occupy fifth place, leaving a 133-place gap between the teams. Brazil are the highest-ranked opposition India have faced since the FIFA rankings were introduced in 1992, making this one of the most demanding fixtures of Khalid Jamil’s tenure.
India’s recent form offers some encouragement after they held Panama to a 1–1 draw in Bengaluru. Ryan Williams put India ahead in the first half before Omar Valencia equalised after the break, with the Blue Tigers remaining competitive against a Panama side ranked 44th in the world. It was India’s first time avoiding defeat against a top-50 opponent, while their recent six-match form reads W-L-L-L-D-D after a 2–1 Asian Cup qualifying victory over Hong Kong and friendly defeats against Jamaica, Zimbabwe and Tajikistan.
Jamil has a fully fit squad available, with veteran goalkeeper and captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu set to earn his 90th international cap. Ryan Williams, who scored against Panama, is expected to lead the attack alongside Manvir Singh, while Anwar Ali and Bijoy Varghese are expected to form the central defensive partnership. Jamil is expected to favour a disciplined 4-4-2 shape built around a low defensive block and counter-attacking football.
Brazil arrive under Carlo Ancelotti after two matches against Australia, drawing 1–1 in Townsville before winning 4–2 in Brisbane, where Vinicius Junior scored. The five-time world champions are rebuilding after their round-of-16 exit against Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Ancelotti is expected to use the India match to give opportunities to players who have had fewer minutes.
Vinicius headlines an attacking group that also includes Endrick, Estevao, Rayan, Pedro and Samuel Lino, while Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes and Bruno Guimaraes provide experience. Raphinha withdrew because of a thigh injury, while Joao Pedro also withdrew and was replaced by Fluminense midfielder Gabriel Martinelli.
Brazil and India have agreed on an expanded substitution arrangement for the friendly, with Brazil seeking to use all 11 substitutes after Ancelotti asked to give his players additional opportunities. India and Panama had previously agreed to eight substitutions but used five each.
Brazil’s arrival generated a major response in Kolkata, where the national team has a substantial following, with Marquinhos acknowledging the opportunity to connect with the country’s large Indian fanbase. India will remain in Kolkata after the match before facing two-time world champions Uruguay on October 6.
India vs Brazil Live Score, FIFA Friendly 2026: Full squads
India: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Som Kumar, Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jay Gupta, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan, Farukh Choudhary, Lalengmawia Ralte, Macarton Nickson, Mohammed Sanan, Ricky Shabong, Sahal Abdul Samad, Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams, Vikram Partap Singh.
Brazil: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio, Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jair, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Junior, Vitor Reis, Wesley, Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, Estevao, Pedro, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Junior.
Raphinha was originally included in Brazil’s squad but withdrew with a thigh injury, while no replacement was called up for the Barcelona winger. Joao Pedro also withdrew through injury and was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli.
