Indian Football's Exciting International Friendly Schedule This Autumn

Overview of Upcoming Matches

This autumn, Indian football is gearing up for an action-packed international schedule. The National Team Department is set to host 13 international friendly matches in Bengaluru, Goa, and Kolkata from September 25 to October 11, 2026, pending government approval for travel arrangements. These matches will feature India's senior, women's senior, and youth teams competing against various international opponents, providing essential exposure and competitive experience across different age groups, as stated in a press release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Notable International Matches

The Blue Tigers will kick off their campaign against the Panama senior team in Bengaluru on September 25. Following this, Kolkata will host two significant matches against Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6. Additionally, the India Women’s Senior Team will face the Russia Women’s Senior Team in Kolkata on October 8 and October 11.

Insights from AIFF Officials

Subrata Paul, Director of Football (National Teams), expressed his pride in this initiative, stating, "This is a remarkable achievement for the All India Football Federation. Few nations have undertaken the challenge of hosting 13 international matches in a single FIFA window. Competing against three teams that have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a dream for football enthusiasts across the nation. If I could revisit the past, I would not miss being part of this extraordinary squad and these historic matches!"

Youth Teams Set for Valuable Matches

In Bengaluru, the India U-15 Team will compete against Iran U-15 three times on September 28, 29, and 30, followed by three matches against Uzbekistan U-15 on October 8, 9, and 10. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary General of AIFF, emphasized the significance of maximizing every FIFA window and the quality of the opposition. He noted, "This is the first time we are organizing such matches for the Under-15 team, and facing strong teams like Uzbekistan and Iran will provide them with excellent preparation. The same applies to the women’s teams, with Russia being a formidable opponent. We are excited about the benefits this will bring to Indian football."

Anticipation for Football Fans

Football enthusiasts across the country can look forward to an exciting lineup of matches. The packed schedule offers fans the chance to witness Indian teams compete against international sides, including Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, Panama, Iran, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines. This series promises to be a celebration of football in Bengaluru, Goa, and Kolkata, showcasing talent from senior teams to the next generation of players.

Friendly Match Schedule

- September 25 | India Senior Team vs Panama Senior Team | Bengaluru

- September 26 | India U-17 Women vs Philippines U-17 Women | Goa

- September 28 | India U-15 vs Iran U-15 | Bengaluru

- September 29 | India U-17 Women vs Philippines U-17 Women | Goa

- September 29 | India U-15 vs Iran U-15 | Bengaluru

- September 30 | India U-15 vs Iran U-15 | Bengaluru

- October 3 | India Senior Team vs Brazil Senior Team | Kolkata

- October 6 | India Senior Team vs Uruguay Senior Team | Kolkata

- October 8 | India Women’s Senior Team vs Russia Women’s Senior Team | Kolkata

- October 8 | India U-15 vs Uzbekistan U-15 | Bengaluru

- October 9 | India U-15 vs Uzbekistan U-15 | Bengaluru

- October 10 | India U-15 vs Uzbekistan U-15 | Bengaluru

- October 11 | India Women’s Senior Team vs Russia Women’s Senior Team | Kolkata.