Politics · India Bureau
Vinicius Jr, Raphinha lead Brazil squad for maiden India clash
Real Madrid and Barcelona stars headline Brazil's 26-member squad for their historic first meeting with India on October 3 in Kolkata. The Seleção will face the Indian side at Salt Lake Stadium as part of coach Carlo Ancelotti's preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
LSN India ·
Brazil have named a star-studded squad for their inaugural encounter with India, with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Barcelona winger Raphinha leading the lineup. Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos completes the trio of experienced players selected by coach Carlo Ancelotti for the fixture at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 3 at 7:30 pm local time.
The match represents a landmark occasion for Indian football, marking the first official meeting between the two nations. It comes as part of Brazil's build-up to the 2026 World Cup, following fixtures against Australia in Townsville on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29.
Ancelotti unveiled his 26-member squad at the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes have also retained their places in the squad, reinforcing the coach's selection of established talent.
The Kolkata fixture is anticipated to be a spectacular occasion for the football-obsessed eastern Indian city. Brazil's squad includes three nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, underlining the calibre of opposition India will face in their historic meeting with the five-time World Cup champions.