India's date with World Cup heroes Cape Verde all but confirmed: Details

India could face Cabo Verde on October 6, three days after their Brazil friendly in Kolkata. A Brazilian delegation has inspected Salt Lake Stadium as preparations gather pace for the blockbuster clash.India could face Cabo Verde on October 6 after Brazil. (Photo: Reuters)India could have another demanding international friendly lined up soon after their much-anticipated clash against Brazil, with Cabo Verde emerging as the likely opponent for October 6. If confirmed, the fixture would give head coach Khalid Jamil another opportunity to test his squad during the FIFA international window.Brazil are scheduled to face India at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on October 3, after the AIFF withdrew India from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup because of a scheduling clash. The decision has sparked considerable debate in Indian football, with former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia among those strongly criticising the federation's choice to prioritise a high-profile friendly over a competitive tournament.The AIFF, however, has continued to defend its decision. The federation has described the Brazil fixture as an exceptional opportunity for Indian football and said it was approved through the appropriate institutional processes.A five-member Brazilian Football Confederation delegation also inspected Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday ahead of the fixture. Speaking after the inspection, West Bengal minister Indranil Khan said the visitors were satisfied with the preparations. "We had a meeting with them today, and after having a look at the infrastructure and preparations we have made, they are really positive," Khan told reporters.VIDEO | Kolkata: A five-member delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Thursday conducted a detailed inspection of the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday, spending more than two hours assessing the facilities and preparations for India's biggest-ever football pic.twitter.com/bZGajuWPtD— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 20, 2026The delegation, led by Sergio Dimas de Oliveira, General Supervisor of Men's National Teams, arrived in Kolkata in the early hours and spent more than two hours assessing the stadium and hospitality arrangements before completing its inspection around 5pm.CABO VERDE COULD FOLLOW BRAZIL The proposed Cabo Verde fixture is yet to be officially confirmed, but reports indicate that October 6 has emerged as the likely date. Kolkata and Kochi are understood to be the two options being considered, with Salt Lake Stadium and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium respectively in contention.A match against Cabo Verde would provide Jamil with another demanding examination of his squad. The African side impressed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, holding eventual champions Spain to a goalless draw before pushing Argentina into extra time in the last 16.For India, the fixture would also offer exposure against opposition from outside Asia. The national team are expected to begin preparations around the start of the FIFA international window on September 21, with a training camp potentially being held in Kolkata.INDIA'S OCTOBER WINDOW TAKES SHAPEThe AIFF is also reportedly exploring another friendly before the Brazil encounter, meaning India could have an especially busy international window.Bhutia has questioned the sporting value of the Brazil fixture and urged fans to boycott the match, while also arguing that the money reportedly being spent could be directed towards grassroots development and domestic football. The former India captain has particularly criticised India's withdrawal from the ASEAN Cup, asking what the national team would gain from 90 minutes against Brazil compared with competitive international football.The AIFF has stood by its decision, saying the Brazil match can provide a morale boost to the national team and attract greater interest in Indian football. The federation has also rejected claims of a predetermined financial penalty for withdrawing from the ASEAN Cup and warned against the circulation of what it called unverified financial claims.The ASEAN Cup runs from September 21 to October 6, while the Brazil match is scheduled for October 3. If the Cabo Verde fixture is confirmed for October 6, India could finish the window with two high-profile opponents in three days, giving Jamil a demanding test of his squad and preparation.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 08:27 IST