Football

India to Host Uruguay in High-Profile Kolkata Friendly

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 27, 2026, 17:58 IST

The Indian men's national football team will face two-time World Cup champions Uruguay in Kolkata on October 6, marking their third major international friendly during the upcoming FIFA window.

India to Host Uruguay in High-Profile Kolkata Friendly

The Indian men's national football team is set to host two-time FIFA World Cup champions Uruguay for an international friendly on October 6. The match will take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, serving as a significant addition to India's schedule during the upcoming FIFA international window, which runs from September 21 to October 6.

This fixture represents the third high-profile home match for the Blue Tigers against top-tier international opposition within the same window. The announcement follows the confirmation of a match against five-time World Cup winners Brazil, which is scheduled to be held at the same Kolkata venue just three days prior to the Uruguay encounter.

A Busy Schedule for the Blue Tigers

In addition to the high-profile clashes in Kolkata, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that India will face Panama at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26. This match marks the national team's return to the venue where they secured the SAFF Championship 2023 title by defeating Kuwait in the final.

Uruguay, currently ranked 20th in the FIFA world rankings, brings a rich history to the fixture, having claimed World Cup titles in 1930 and 1950, alongside three semifinal appearances. The South American side is currently managed by former Mumbai City FC player Diego Forlan. Their recent tournament history includes group stage exits in both the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

Panama, ranked 44th globally, also brings World Cup experience to the series, having qualified for the 2018 and 2026 editions of the tournament. Beyond these home fixtures, the Indian squad is scheduled to travel for two away matches against New Zealand on November 12 and 15, rounding out a demanding period of international football.