India to play 13 International Friendlies in packed Calendar: AIFF announce detailed Schedule

Indian football is set for a packed international calendar this autumn, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announcing between September 25 and October 11, 2026.

The matches will be played across Bengaluru, Goa and Kolkata, with the programme featuring opponents from seven nations. The schedule, however, remains subject to Government clearance for the teams’ travel.

India to Face Three 2026 World Cup Teams

The headline fixtures will see the India senior men’s team take on Panama, Brazil and Uruguay, with all three opponents having participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Blue Tigers will first face Panama in Bengaluru on September 25 before travelling to Kolkata for two high-profile encounters against Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6.

The opportunity to play three teams that featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup makes the schedule particularly significant for Indian football.

AIFF Director of Football (National Teams) Subrata Paul described the programme as a historic milestone, highlighting the challenge of hosting 13 international matches during a single FIFA window.

Paul also underlined the significance of facing three World Cup participants, calling it a special opportunity for Indian players and football fans.

India Women's Team to Face Russia

Kolkata will also host two matches involving the India Women’s Senior Team, which will take on the Russia Women’s Senior Team on October 8 and October 11.

India Women set for youth-heavy squad against Russia, National Camp in Kolkata from Next Week

The two matches will provide the Indian women’s side with an opportunity to test themselves against strong international opposition during the FIFA window. The AIFF's Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan stressed the importance of making full use of FIFA windows, particularly for teams at different stages of development.

“For the senior women, you can’t get a stronger team than Russia,” Satyanarayan said, while also pointing to the quality of the opposition lined up for India's other teams.

Busy Schedule for India's U-15 Team

The India U-15 men's team will have one of the busiest schedules of the international window.

The youngsters will face Iran U-15 three times in Bengaluru on September 28, 29 and 30. They will then take on Uzbekistan U-15 on October 8, 9 and 10, also in Bengaluru.

The six matches will provide the young players with considerable exposure against two strong Asian footballing nations.

India U-17 Women to Play Philippines in Goa

Goa will host two matches involving the India U-17 Women's Team, who will face the Philippines U-17 Women on September 26 and September 29.

India International Friendly Schedule