India To Face Panama In FIFA International Friendly Ahead Of October 3 Clash Against Brazil

Last Updated:August 24, 2026, 2:00 PM IST

Panama featured in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but failed to qualify for the Round of 32. They suffered defeats against Ghana, Croatia and England in their Group L matches.

India to face Panama in FIFA international friendly. (Picture Credit: X/@IndianFootball)

India men’s football team will face Panama in a FIFA international friendly in September, ahead of another friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup winners Brazil in Kolkata on October 3.

According to a report by The Times of Indiathe match between India and the North American side is scheduled to take place on September 26 or 27. The venue for the fixture is yet to be finalised.

Panama featured in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but failed to qualify for the Round of 32. They suffered defeats against Ghana, Croatia and England in their Group L matches to finish at the bottom of the points table. Panama failed to score a single goal in their three matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to available information, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has signed a letter of intent with Panama for an international friendly in India during the September-October international window.

“There is a high possibility of an international friendly against another World Cup opponent on October 6,” a senior AIFF official told TOI on Sunday.

“Brazil is done and Panama have agreed in principle to play in India. Talks are ongoing with three countries who featured at the last World Cup for the third friendly during this window. A good result against any of the World Cup participants can boost Indian football’s morale and improve the rankings significantly,” he added.

It was previously reported by news agency PTI that India would face Cape Verde in an international friendly.

Cape Verde made their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026 and managed to qualify for the Round of 32.

They played out a goalless draw against Spain in their World Cup opener before holding two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw. In their third Group H match, Cape Verde played out another goalless draw against Saudi Arabia to finish second in the group.

In their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match, Cape Verde suffered a 2-3 defeat against Lionel Messi’s Argentina but gave the three-time FIFA World Cup winners a run for their money.

The Indian men’s football team is also scheduled to face New Zealand in two away friendly matches in November 2026. Like Panama, Brazil and Cape Verde, New Zealand also participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but failed to qualify for the Round of 32.

Key Questions Answered

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What other World Cup teams might India play next?

India might play another World Cup opponent on October 6, and Cape Verde is also a possibility for a friendly match between September 30 and October 6.

Could India host more international football matches soon?

India is likely to host more international football matches soon, with a friendly against Panama scheduled for September and a high possibility of another friendly against a World Cup opponent on October 6. Discussions are also underway for India to host Cape Verde between September 30 and October 6.

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About the Author

Harshit BishtSenior Sub-editor

Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist at CNN-News18, where he has been covering cricket, football, and major sporting events from around the world since July 1, 2024. Driven by a passion for storytelli…Read More

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