Brazil vs India: Vinicius Jr, Raphinha set for historic Kolkata showdown
Brazil's national football team, under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, is undergoing a major squad overhaul following their 2026 World Cup exit. The team is preparing for upcoming friendlies against Australia and a historic first-ever match against India in Kolkata.
Why it matters
This marks a significant strategic shift for one of the world's most successful football nations and highlights the growing importance of international exhibition matches in emerging football markets like India.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has begun reshaping the national team after their disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, naming a 26-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India.The squad includes some of Brazil's biggest names, with Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, Barcelona winger Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain veteran Marquinhos among the players selected by Ancelotti.Brazil will begin their post-World Cup schedule with two meetings against Australia. The first is scheduled for September 25 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, followed by another clash with the hosts on September 29 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.The five-time world champions will then travel to India for a historic fixture against the hosts on October 3.
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