The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is in the final stages of negotiations with Indian sports organisers to host an international friendly in Kolkata, with the match likely to take place during the FIFA international window in early October 2026. According to initial reports from ESPN Brasil, later confirmed by Brazilian newspaper Estadao, only the final contractual formalities remain before the agreement is officially announced. The publication also reported that the CBF has confirmed plans to organise additional home friendlies in 2027, particularly in cities that rarely host the Brazilian national team.&nbsp;India has emerged as the frontrunner despite interest from Bangladesh, Singapore and Qatar. While all three nations submitted proposals, discussions progressed only with Indian organisers. The CBF reportedly declined requests for multiple matches in the region, citing concerns over player travel, recovery and scheduling during the international window. The proposed fixture comes after Brazil's Round of 16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Carlo Ancelotti's side was knocked out by Norway. The Kolkata match is expected to headline a 16-day ‘Super FIFA Window’ stretching from late September to early October.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-indian-athletes-are-eating-sushi-ramen-and-udon-before-the-2026-asian-games-1784979814978">Why Indian athletes are eating sushi, ramen and udon before the 2026 Asian Games</a>&nbsp;If the deal is completed, it will mark one of Brazil's most significant appearances in Kolkata and further strengthen the city's long-standing connection with South American football. During the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, Kolkata embraced Brazilian football culture once again, with murals of Neymar and Vinicius Junior decorating several parts of the city, especially in north Kolkata. The match would also revive memories of one of Indian football's most iconic moments.&nbsp;&nbsp;In September 1977, Brazilian legend Pele played at Eden Gardens when the New York Cosmos faced Mohun Bagan, creating a lasting bond between Kolkata and Brazilian football. For football fans in the city, the prospect of watching the famous yellow-and-green jerseys on home soil would be a landmark moment, potentially ending a wait of nearly five decades for Brazil's return.

Brazil are set to play an international friendly in Kolkata in October 2026 as the CBF nears a final agreement with Indian organisers. The historic match could mark Brazil's return to the city nearly 50 years after Pele's iconic visit

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is in the final stages of negotiations with Indian sports organisers to host an international friendly in Kolkata, with the match likely to take place during the FIFA international window in early October 2026. According to initial reports from ESPN Brasil, later confirmed by Brazilian newspaper Estadao, only the final contractual formalities remain before the agreement is officially announced. The publication also reported that the CBF has confirmed plans to organise additional home friendlies in 2027, particularly in cities that rarely host the Brazilian national team. India has emerged as the frontrunner despite interest from Bangladesh, Singapore and Qatar. While all three nations submitted proposals, discussions progressed only with Indian organisers. The CBF reportedly declined requests for multiple matches in the region, citing concerns over player travel, recovery and scheduling during the international window. The proposed fixture comes after Brazil's Round of 16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Carlo Ancelotti's side was knocked out by Norway. The Kolkata match is expected to headline a 16-day ‘Super FIFA Window’ stretching from late September to early October. Also Read: Why Indian athletes are eating sushi, ramen and udon before the 2026 Asian Games If the deal is completed, it will mark one of Brazil's most significant appearances in Kolkata and further strengthen the city's long-standing connection with South American football. During the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, Kolkata embraced Brazilian football culture once again, with murals of Neymar and Vinicius Junior decorating several parts of the city, especially in north Kolkata. The match would also revive memories of one of Indian football's most iconic moments. In September 1977, Brazilian legend Pele played at Eden Gardens when the New York Cosmos faced Mohun Bagan, creating a lasting bond between Kolkata and Brazilian football. For football fans in the city, the prospect of watching the famous yellow-and-green jerseys on home soil would be a landmark moment, potentially ending a wait of nearly five decades for Brazil's return.

Brazil are close to finalising an October 2026 international friendly in Kolkata, with India emerging ahead of Bangladesh, Qatar and Singapore

Is the Brazil football team really coming to Kolkata to play friendly match? Here's what we know

Brasília, Brazil
Brazil legend Ronaldo has confirmed he wants to become president of the country's football governing body to address a "deep crisis" the sport is facing nationally.
"I have hundreds of motivations, but I think the biggest of them is really to restore international respect to Brazilian football," he said in an interview on Monday with the Globoesporte website.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/super-league-promoters-reveal-approaching-fifa-uefa-for-official-recognition-784749">Super League promoters reveal approaching FIFA, UEFA for official recognition</a>
Ronaldo said he wanted to be an "alternative for significant change" as candidate for the job of running the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
"O Fenomeno" ("The Phenomenon"), as the 48-year-old became known over the course of his 1993-2011 career, said he wants to use the CBF presidency to help Brazil's national team to regain its glory as five-time world champions.
"The Selecao has to recover its prestige. I'll do everything so that the players understand the historic importance of playing for the national team," he said.
Ronaldo scored both goals when Brazil beat Germany in the 2002 World Cup final in Japan, and was twice winner of the Ballon d'Or.
To lodge his CBF candidacy, he needs the support of Brazilian regional clubs and federations.
To get those, he promised to travel "all around Brazil" and share the "incredible plans" he has for the sport.
The date of the next CBF election has not yet been set, but should happen between March 2025 and March 2026, according to Brazilian media.
<h2>'Much deeper problem'</h2>
Current CBF chief Ednaldo Rodrigues has been criticized for slotting in temporary coaches for the national team after Tite's 2022 exit while waiting for Carlo Ancelotti to arrive -- something that did not happen when the Italian decided late last year to extend his contract as manager of Real Madrid.
Currently coached by Dorival Junior, the Selecao are fifth in South America qualifying for the 2026 World Cup tournament, seven points behind leaders Argentina.
"My problem is not Ednaldo. The problem is much deeper. My goal is to bring the people closer to the Selecao. Today, the people are indifferent when the Selecao plays," Ronaldo told Globoesporte. "I am an alternative of significant change for Brazilian football, which is going through a deep crisis," he said.
Ronaldo, a former star for Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, already has leadership experience.
In 2018, he took majority control of Spain's Real Valladolid, and in 2021 did the same for Cruzeiro, the Brazilian club where he started his career.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
He sold his Cruzeiro stake in April this year.
In his interview, Ronaldo said he was in talks to "very soon" sell his Valladolid stake to avoid "any obstacle" to his CBF candidacy.

Ronaldo said he wanted to be an "alternative for significant change" as candidate for the job of running the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).



Brasília, Brazil Brazil legend Ronaldo has confirmed he wants to become president of the country's football governing body to address a "deep crisis" the sport is facing nationally. "I have hundreds of motivations, but I think the biggest of them is really to restore international respect to Brazilian football," he said in an interview on Monday with the Globoesporte website. ALSO READ: Super League promoters reveal approaching FIFA, UEFA for official recognition Ronaldo said he wanted to be an "alternative for significant change" as candidate for the job of running the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). "O Fenomeno" ("The Phenomenon"), as the 48-year-old became known over the course of his 1993-2011 career, said he wants to use the CBF presidency to help Brazil's national team to regain its glory as five-time world champions. "The Selecao has to recover its prestige. I'll do everything so that the players understand the historic importance of playing for the national team," he said. Ronaldo scored both goals when Brazil beat Germany in the 2002 World Cup final in Japan, and was twice winner of the Ballon d'Or. To lodge his CBF candidacy, he needs the support of Brazilian regional clubs and federations. To get those, he promised to travel "all around Brazil" and share the "incredible plans" he has for the sport. The date of the next CBF election has not yet been set, but should happen between March 2025 and March 2026, according to Brazilian media. 'Much deeper problem' Current CBF chief Ednaldo Rodrigues has been criticized for slotting in temporary coaches for the national team after Tite's 2022 exit while waiting for Carlo Ancelotti to arrive -- something that did not happen when the Italian decided late last year to extend his contract as manager of Real Madrid. Currently coached by Dorival Junior, the Selecao are fifth in South America qualifying for the 2026 World Cup tournament, seven points behind leaders Argentina. "My problem is not Ednaldo. The problem is much deeper. My goal is to bring the people closer to the Selecao. Today, the people are indifferent when the Selecao plays," Ronaldo told Globoesporte. "I am an alternative of significant change for Brazilian football, which is going through a deep crisis," he said. Ronaldo, a former star for Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, already has leadership experience. In 2018, he took majority control of Spain's Real Valladolid, and in 2021 did the same for Cruzeiro, the Brazilian club where he started his career. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience. He sold his Cruzeiro stake in April this year. In his interview, Ronaldo said he was in talks to "very soon" sell his Valladolid stake to avoid "any obstacle" to his CBF candidacy.

Ronaldo wants to run Brazil’s football to help regain its glory as world champions

Brazil legend Ronaldo has confirmed he wants to become president of the country's football governing body to address a "deep crisis" the sport is facing nationally.

"I have hundreds of motivations, but I think the biggest of them is really to restore international respect to Brazilian football," he said in an interview on Monday with the Globoesporte website.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/super-league-promoters-reveal-approaching-fifa-uefa-for-official-recognition-784749">Super League promoters reveal approaching FIFA, UEFA for official recognition</a>

Ronaldo said he wanted to be an "alternative for significant change" as candidate for the job of running the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

"O Fenomeno" ("The Phenomenon"), as the 48-year-old became known over the course of his 1993-2011 career, said he wants to use the CBF presidency to help Brazil's national team to regain its glory as five-time world champions.

"The Selecao has to recover its prestige. I'll do everything so that the players understand the historic importance of playing for the national team," he said.

Ronaldo scored both goals when Brazil beat Germany in the 2002 World Cup final in Japan, and was twice winner of the Ballon d'Or.

To lodge his CBF candidacy, he needs the support of Brazilian regional clubs and federations.

To get those, he promised to travel "all around Brazil" and share the "incredible plans" he has for the sport.

The date of the next CBF election has not yet been set, but should happen between March 2025 and March 2026, according to Brazilian media.

<h2>'Much deeper problem'</h2>

Current CBF chief Ednaldo Rodrigues has been criticized for slotting in temporary coaches for the national team after Tite's 2022 exit while waiting for Carlo Ancelotti to arrive -- something that did not happen when the Italian decided late last year to extend his contract as manager of Real Madrid.

Currently coached by Dorival Junior, the Selecao are fifth in South America qualifying for the 2026 World Cup tournament, seven points behind leaders Argentina.

"My problem is not Ednaldo. The problem is much deeper. My goal is to bring the people closer to the Selecao. Today, the people are indifferent when the Selecao plays," Ronaldo told Globoesporte. "I am an alternative of significant change for Brazilian football, which is going through a deep crisis," he said.

Ronaldo, a former star for Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, already has leadership experience.

In 2018, he took majority control of Spain's Real Valladolid, and in 2021 did the same for Cruzeiro, the Brazilian club where he started his career.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

He sold his Cruzeiro stake in April this year.

In his interview, Ronaldo said he was in talks to "very soon" sell his Valladolid stake to avoid "any obstacle" to his CBF candidacy.

Brazil legend Ronaldo has confirmed he wants to become president of the country's football governing body to address a "deep crisis" the sport is facing nationally.

Brazil legend Ronaldo has confirmed he wants to become president of the country's football governing body to address a "deep crisis" the sport is facing nationally. "I have hundreds of motivations, but I think the biggest of them is really to restore international respect to Brazilian football," he said in an interview on Monday with the Globoesporte website. ALSO READ: Super League promoters reveal approaching FIFA, UEFA for official recognition Ronaldo said he wanted to be an "alternative for significant change" as candidate for the job of running the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). "O Fenomeno" ("The Phenomenon"), as the 48-year-old became known over the course of his 1993-2011 career, said he wants to use the CBF presidency to help Brazil's national team to regain its glory as five-time world champions. "The Selecao has to recover its prestige. I'll do everything so that the players understand the historic importance of playing for the national team," he said. Ronaldo scored both goals when Brazil beat Germany in the 2002 World Cup final in Japan, and was twice winner of the Ballon d'Or. To lodge his CBF candidacy, he needs the support of Brazilian regional clubs and federations. To get those, he promised to travel "all around Brazil" and share the "incredible plans" he has for the sport. The date of the next CBF election has not yet been set, but should happen between March 2025 and March 2026, according to Brazilian media. 'Much deeper problem' Current CBF chief Ednaldo Rodrigues has been criticized for slotting in temporary coaches for the national team after Tite's 2022 exit while waiting for Carlo Ancelotti to arrive -- something that did not happen when the Italian decided late last year to extend his contract as manager of Real Madrid. Currently coached by Dorival Junior, the Selecao are fifth in South America qualifying for the 2026 World Cup tournament, seven points behind leaders Argentina. "My problem is not Ednaldo. The problem is much deeper. My goal is to bring the people closer to the Selecao. Today, the people are indifferent when the Selecao plays," Ronaldo told Globoesporte. "I am an alternative of significant change for Brazilian football, which is going through a deep crisis," he said. Ronaldo, a former star for Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, already has leadership experience. In 2018, he took majority control of Spain's Real Valladolid, and in 2021 did the same for Cruzeiro, the Brazilian club where he started his career. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience. He sold his Cruzeiro stake in April this year. In his interview, Ronaldo said he was in talks to "very soon" sell his Valladolid stake to avoid "any obstacle" to his CBF candidacy.