India vs Brazil Football 2026: Kickoff Time, Live Stream and the Key Team News
India face Brazil in a historic men’s international football friendly on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. IST (14:00 UTC; 11:00 a.m. in Brasília). In India, the match is set for Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV and Sony Aath. Here is the essential match information and the late team news to check before kickoff.
India vs Brazil: date, time and venue
- Match: India vs Brazil, men’s international friendly
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. India Standard Time
- Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, also known as Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
- India TV and stream: Sony Sports Network, Sony Aath and Sony LIV
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) says this is the first senior men’s meeting between the countries. It is a friendly rather than a tournament knockout game, so the immediate stakes are the performance, experience and momentum each side takes from the night.
Where can I watch India vs Brazil live?
For viewers in India, the AIFF lists Sony Sports Network and Sony Aath for television and Sony LIV for streaming. Open the broadcaster or app ahead of kickoff to confirm the channel, coverage start and any access requirement for your account. Broadcast rights outside India vary by market; the India listing does not establish a worldwide stream.
Searching for a free link shortly before kickoff can lead to misleading streams or a replay page. Use the broadcaster’s official listing for your region and check that it says live coverage of this specific October 3 fixture.
Will Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha play?
Vinícius Júnior is among the Brazil players highlighted in the AIFF’s match preview, but a squad place does not guarantee a starting role or minutes. The starting eleven will be confirmed closer to kickoff.
Raphinha is out. The AIFF reported on October 2 that a thigh injury ruled him out of the India match and that Brazil had not named a replacement, leaving a 25-player travelling group. Fans relying on an older squad graphic should take that update into account.
Why is this fixture drawing attention?
Brazil arrive as five-time men’s world champions and fifth in the FIFA rankings cited by the AIFF; India are 138th. The federation says Brazil will be the highest-ranked opponents India have faced since the official ranking began in 1993. The scale of the gap is obvious, but it does not tell viewers how the 90 minutes will unfold.
India gave supporters a recent point of reference with a 1-1 draw against Panama. Ryan Williams scored first, and Khalid Jamil’s side showed that compact defending and quick transitions can create openings against stronger opposition. Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, drew 1-1 with Australia before winning the next meeting 4-2 in September.
What should viewers watch for?
India’s shape without the ball may decide whether Brazil can repeatedly find room between the lines. If India win possession, the speed and support of their counterattacks will matter as much as the first pass forward. Set pieces are another chance to turn limited possession into a clear opportunity.
Brazil have attacking options even with Raphinha absent. Their selection and early tempo will show whether Ancelotti is prioritising combinations among established players or testing a refreshed group. Watch the confirmed lineup before making assumptions about any individual star’s role.
The quick answer: India vs Brazil starts at 7:30 p.m. IST on October 3 in Kolkata. Indian viewers can look to Sony Sports Network, Sony Aath or Sony LIV. Raphinha is out with a thigh injury, and both starting lineups remain to be confirmed.
