For days, there had been a strange question hanging over Kolkata. Where was the buzz? Brazil were in town. Five-time world champions. One of the biggest names in the history of football. Yet, in the build-up to their friendly against India, the streets had seemed surprisingly quiet. There were no overwhelming crowds. No city-wide sea of yellow. No sense that one of football's most decorated teams had arrived in a city known for its deep love of the sport.&nbsp;But on Saturday, as the hours ticked towards kick-off, Kolkata finally woke up. And when it did, it made itself heard. The scene outside the Salt Lake Stadium was surreal. Thousands of football fans started making their way towards the venue, turning the area around the stadium into a carnival of colours, chants and anticipation. The most striking part was the sheer diversity of the crowd. There were children, some barely nine or ten years old, arriving with their parents. There were teenagers carrying the excitement of watching their footballing heroes in the flesh. There were young adults, older fans and parents who had clearly waited a long time for an occasion like this.&nbsp;Different generations. One football match. One extraordinary evening. For some, it was about Brazil. For others, it was about India. And for many, it was simply about being present for a moment that they knew would be remembered. The atmosphere outside the stadium was electric. The quietness of the previous few days seemed to have disappeared completely. Instead, the roads around Salt Lake Stadium were filled with noise. “India, India!” The chant echoed through the crowd. Then came another. “Brazil, Brazil!” The two chants competed for space in the Kolkata night, creating a soundtrack that perfectly captured what this match meant to the fans.&nbsp;India supporters arrived wearing the national team's colours, while Brazilian fans proudly displayed yellow jerseys and flags. Some had painted their faces. Some carried flags. Some simply came wearing the shirts of their favourite players. And then there were the children, perhaps the most telling sign of what the occasion meant. For a nine- or ten-year-old football fan, watching Brazil live in Kolkata is not just another match. It is an experience that could become a childhood memory carried for decades.&nbsp;They may not have seen some of Brazil's greatest legends play. They may know Neymar more than Ronaldinho, Vinicius Jr more than Ronaldo, and today's Selecao more than the teams that once dominated the world. But the attraction remains. The yellow shirt still means Brazil. And on this night, it was everywhere.<h2>Kolkata finally found its football voice</h2>The transformation was remarkable. Just hours earlier, questions had surrounded the level of excitement around the fixture. But outside Salt Lake Stadium, there was no such doubt. Football had taken over. Families walked towards the gates together. Groups of friends sang and chanted. Children held flags bigger than themselves. Fans stopped to take photographs, capture videos and simply soak in the atmosphere.&nbsp;For many, the match was almost secondary to the experience of being there. Because this was not just India playing Brazil. This was Kolkata getting to host Brazil. A city that has spent generations arguing, celebrating and sometimes fighting over football had finally been given the kind of occasion it could embrace. And Kolkata embraced it.<h2>A match that brought generations together</h2>Perhaps the most beautiful sight was the number of families arriving together. Parents brought their children. Children dragged their parents towards the stadium. Some had travelled simply to give their kids the chance to see Brazil live. For the younger generation, these are the moments that can shape how they remember football. Years from now, they may not remember every pass or every chance.&nbsp;But they may remember the walk towards Salt Lake Stadium. They may remember the noise. They may remember the Brazilian flags. They may remember thousands of people chanting around them. They may remember standing beside their parents and watching one of football's biggest teams arrive on Indian soil. And they may remember one simple fact: Brazil came to Kolkata, and they were there to see it.<h2>From silence to carnival</h2>The contrast with the build-up could hardly have been greater. There had been questions about the atmosphere. There had been discussion about ticket sales and prices. There had been an absence of the kind of street-level frenzy many expected. But perhaps Kolkata was simply waiting. Waiting for the moment to arrive. And when it did, the city responded in the language it knows best.&nbsp;Football. The roads around Salt Lake Stadium became a meeting point for generations of supporters. The young. The old. The casual fan. The die-hard. The Brazil supporter. The India supporter. Everyone had their own reason for being there. But they shared the same destination. The stadium.&nbsp;And as the chants grew louder outside, one thing became clear. Whatever had been missing from Kolkata in the days leading up to the match had finally arrived. The noise. The colour. The emotion. The anticipation. The football fever.Kolkata had finally woken up. And on a night when India stood across the pitch from five-time world champions Brazil, the city made sure it would not be a silent witness to history.

Kolkata comes alive as thousands of fans gather at Salt Lake Stadium for the historic Brazil vs India friendly, with India and Brazil chants echoing outside

For days, there had been a strange question hanging over Kolkata. Where was the buzz? Brazil were in town. Five-time world champions. One of the biggest names in the history of football. Yet, in the build-up to their friendly against India, the streets had seemed surprisingly quiet. There were no overwhelming crowds. No city-wide sea of yellow. No sense that one of football's most decorated teams had arrived in a city known for its deep love of the sport. But on Saturday, as the hours ticked towards kick-off, Kolkata finally woke up. And when it did, it made itself heard. The scene outside the Salt Lake Stadium was surreal. Thousands of football fans started making their way towards the venue, turning the area around the stadium into a carnival of colours, chants and anticipation. The most striking part was the sheer diversity of the crowd. There were children, some barely nine or ten years old, arriving with their parents. There were teenagers carrying the excitement of watching their footballing heroes in the flesh. There were young adults, older fans and parents who had clearly waited a long time for an occasion like this. Different generations. One football match. One extraordinary evening. For some, it was about Brazil. For others, it was about India. And for many, it was simply about being present for a moment that they knew would be remembered. The atmosphere outside the stadium was electric. The quietness of the previous few days seemed to have disappeared completely. Instead, the roads around Salt Lake Stadium were filled with noise. “India, India!” The chant echoed through the crowd. Then came another. “Brazil, Brazil!” The two chants competed for space in the Kolkata night, creating a soundtrack that perfectly captured what this match meant to the fans. India supporters arrived wearing the national team's colours, while Brazilian fans proudly displayed yellow jerseys and flags. Some had painted their faces. Some carried flags. Some simply came wearing the shirts of their favourite players. And then there were the children, perhaps the most telling sign of what the occasion meant. For a nine- or ten-year-old football fan, watching Brazil live in Kolkata is not just another match. It is an experience that could become a childhood memory carried for decades. They may not have seen some of Brazil's greatest legends play. They may know Neymar more than Ronaldinho, Vinicius Jr more than Ronaldo, and today's Selecao more than the teams that once dominated the world. But the attraction remains. The yellow shirt still means Brazil. And on this night, it was everywhere. Kolkata finally found its football voice The transformation was remarkable. Just hours earlier, questions had surrounded the level of excitement around the fixture. But outside Salt Lake Stadium, there was no such doubt. Football had taken over. Families walked towards the gates together. Groups of friends sang and chanted. Children held flags bigger than themselves. Fans stopped to take photographs, capture videos and simply soak in the atmosphere. For many, the match was almost secondary to the experience of being there. Because this was not just India playing Brazil. This was Kolkata getting to host Brazil. A city that has spent generations arguing, celebrating and sometimes fighting over football had finally been given the kind of occasion it could embrace. And Kolkata embraced it. A match that brought generations together Perhaps the most beautiful sight was the number of families arriving together. Parents brought their children. Children dragged their parents towards the stadium. Some had travelled simply to give their kids the chance to see Brazil live. For the younger generation, these are the moments that can shape how they remember football. Years from now, they may not remember every pass or every chance. But they may remember the walk towards Salt Lake Stadium. They may remember the noise. They may remember the Brazilian flags. They may remember thousands of people chanting around them. They may remember standing beside their parents and watching one of football's biggest teams arrive on Indian soil. And they may remember one simple fact: Brazil came to Kolkata, and they were there to see it. From silence to carnival The contrast with the build-up could hardly have been greater. There had been questions about the atmosphere. There had been discussion about ticket sales and prices. There had been an absence of the kind of street-level frenzy many expected. But perhaps Kolkata was simply waiting. Waiting for the moment to arrive. And when it did, the city responded in the language it knows best. Football. The roads around Salt Lake Stadium became a meeting point for generations of supporters. The young. The old. The casual fan. The die-hard. The Brazil supporter. The India supporter. Everyone had their own reason for being there. But they shared the same destination. The stadium. And as the chants grew louder outside, one thing became clear. Whatever had been missing from Kolkata in the days leading up to the match had finally arrived. The noise. The colour. The emotion. The anticipation. The football fever. Kolkata had finally woken up. And on a night when India stood across the pitch from five-time world champions Brazil, the city made sure it would not be a silent witness to history.

Kolkata finally erupts as thousands of fans, from young children to parents, gather at Salt Lake Stadium for the historic Brazil-India clash

Kolkata finally wakes up: Thousands flock to Salt Lake stadium for historic India-Brazil clash

Brazil, the five-time FIFA World Cup winner, will be playing three friendlies in the coming days, including their first-ever match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had vowed squad changes after their Round of 16 elimination against Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has announced a new-look 26-member team. Before India, Brazil will play two friendlies against Australia - on September 25 in Townsville and on September 29 in Brisbane. Brazil's next big tournament is the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 before preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup begins.<h2>Brazil names 26-member squad for friendlies, including match against India</h2>The most noticeable change Ancelotti made was an overhaul of goalkeepers, which includes three new players in Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), and Otavio (Cruzeiro), while Liverpool's Alisson Becker failed to find a place.From the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, the known players missing from the new-look squad are veteran midfielder Casemiro (Inter Miami) and Fabinho. Brazil's all-time highest goalscorer, Neymar, who announced his retirement post the FIFA World Cup debacle, is also not in the squad.Among the players who made the cut are Athletico Paranaense defender Arthur Dias and PSV Eindhoven full-back Mauro Junior.Ancelotti, however, retained experienced players such as Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Barcelona's Raphinha, Arsenal's Bruno Guimaraes, and Paris Saint-Germain skipper Marquinhos."With these three friendlies, we will start the new cycle to project the Selecao in the objectives of the coming years, which are the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup," said Ancelotti while announcing the squad.<h2>Brazil full squad for friendlies, including India:</h2>Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), and Otavio (Cruzeiro)Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Junior (PSV), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), and Wesley (Roma)Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Danilo (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), and Gabriel Bontempo (Santos)Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Estavao (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo), and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

Carlo Ancelotti named a new-look 26-man Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India (Oct 3, Kolkata). Stars Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Marquinhos return, while Neymar, Casemiro, and Alisson miss out.

Brazil, the five-time FIFA World Cup winner, will be playing three friendlies in the coming days, including their first-ever match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had vowed squad changes after their Round of 16 elimination against Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has announced a new-look 26-member team. Before India, Brazil will play two friendlies against Australia - on September 25 in Townsville and on September 29 in Brisbane. Brazil's next big tournament is the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 before preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup begins. Brazil names 26-member squad for friendlies, including match against India The most noticeable change Ancelotti made was an overhaul of goalkeepers, which includes three new players in Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), and Otavio (Cruzeiro), while Liverpool's Alisson Becker failed to find a place. From the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, the known players missing from the new-look squad are veteran midfielder Casemiro (Inter Miami) and Fabinho. Brazil's all-time highest goalscorer, Neymar, who announced his retirement post the FIFA World Cup debacle, is also not in the squad. Among the players who made the cut are Athletico Paranaense defender Arthur Dias and PSV Eindhoven full-back Mauro Junior. Ancelotti, however, retained experienced players such as Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Barcelona's Raphinha, Arsenal's Bruno Guimaraes, and Paris Saint-Germain skipper Marquinhos. "With these three friendlies, we will start the new cycle to project the Selecao in the objectives of the coming years, which are the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup," said Ancelotti while announcing the squad. Brazil full squad for friendlies, including India: Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), and Otavio (Cruzeiro) Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Junior (PSV), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), and Wesley (Roma) Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Danilo (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), and Gabriel Bontempo (Santos) Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Estavao (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo), and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

Carlo Ancelotti named a new-look 26-man Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India (Oct 3, Kolkata). Stars Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Marquinhos return, while Neymar, Casemiro, and Alisson miss out.

Brazil announce 26-member squad for friendlies, including against India

English Premier League champions Arsenal are closely monitoring the contract situation of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and could make a move if the Brazilian fails to agree a new deal with the Spanish giants. The 26-year-old has emerged as one of several attacking targets being considered by the Premier League champions as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. However, discussions remain at a preliminary stage, and there is no certainty that Arsenal will formalise their interest.&nbsp;No direct talks have taken place between Arsenal and Real Madrid, but the prospect of signing Vinicius has reportedly received backing across the club's hierarchy. Vinicius has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu after spending eight seasons with Los Blancos. Negotiations over an extension have yet to produce a breakthrough, leaving uncertainty over his long-term future.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-zim-2nd-t20i-india-thrash-zimbabwe-by-90-runs-take-2-0-lead-in-series-1784989975992">IND vs ZIM, 2nd T20I: India thrash Zimbabwe by 90 runs; take 2-0 lead in series</a>&nbsp;Real Madrid are unlikely to risk losing one of their biggest stars on a free transfer, particularly with the forward set to earn a substantial loyalty bonus if he remains at the club next season. The Brazilian enjoyed another impressive campaign at the FIFA World Cup, featuring in all five of Brazil's matches and scoring four goals before Carlo Ancelotti's side were knocked out by Norway in the Round of 16.&nbsp;At club level, Vinicius scored 22 goals across all competitions during the 2025-26 season. Despite his contributions, Real Madrid ended the campaign without silverware for a second straight year, finishing second in La Liga, eight points behind Barcelona. Since arriving from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has established himself as one of Madrid's key players, making 375 appearances while contributing 128 goals and 100 assists.

Arsenal are considering a move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr as contract renewal talks remain unresolved. Here's the latest on the Brazilian winger's transfer future

English Premier League champions Arsenal are closely monitoring the contract situation of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and could make a move if the Brazilian fails to agree a new deal with the Spanish giants. The 26-year-old has emerged as one of several attacking targets being considered by the Premier League champions as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. However, discussions remain at a preliminary stage, and there is no certainty that Arsenal will formalise their interest. No direct talks have taken place between Arsenal and Real Madrid, but the prospect of signing Vinicius has reportedly received backing across the club's hierarchy. Vinicius has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu after spending eight seasons with Los Blancos. Negotiations over an extension have yet to produce a breakthrough, leaving uncertainty over his long-term future. Also Read: IND vs ZIM, 2nd T20I: India thrash Zimbabwe by 90 runs; take 2-0 lead in series Real Madrid are unlikely to risk losing one of their biggest stars on a free transfer, particularly with the forward set to earn a substantial loyalty bonus if he remains at the club next season. The Brazilian enjoyed another impressive campaign at the FIFA World Cup, featuring in all five of Brazil's matches and scoring four goals before Carlo Ancelotti's side were knocked out by Norway in the Round of 16. At club level, Vinicius scored 22 goals across all competitions during the 2025-26 season. Despite his contributions, Real Madrid ended the campaign without silverware for a second straight year, finishing second in La Liga, eight points behind Barcelona. Since arriving from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has established himself as one of Madrid's key players, making 375 appearances while contributing 128 goals and 100 assists.

Arsenal are monitoring Vinicius Jr's contract situation at Real Madrid and could launch a move if the Brazilian fails to sign a new deal

Vinicius Junior to Arsenal? Gunners eye blockbuster transfer as Real Madrid contract talks stall

Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended from playing in Wednesday’s Champions League second-leg match against Real Madrid. The decision was made by UEFA following an alleged racism incident involving Vinicius Junior last week and its disciplinary panel is still investigating the events of the first leg. In a statement, the governing body said the suspension relates to a possible breach of Article 14 of its disciplinary rules, which deals discriminatory behavior and added that the temporary ban does not affect any final decision that may be issued later.&nbsp;“Upon request of the EDI with an interim report, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations related to a discriminatory behaviour," UEFA statement read.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kar-vs-j-k-ranji-trophy-final-when-and-where-to-watch-karnataka-vs-jammu-and-kashmir-match-live-streaming-1771855082404">KAR vs J&amp;K, Ranji Trophy Final: When and where to watch Karnataka vs Jammu &amp; Kashmir match live streaming</a>&nbsp;Prestianni, who argued with Vinicius while covering his mouth with his shirt, insists he did not racially abuse the Real Madrid forward. Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said the incident was a "disgrace to football", while striker Kylian Mbappe said Prestianni "doesn't deserve to play in the Champions League any more".&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-vs-eng-t20-world-cup-2026-super-8-check-live-streaming-details-head-to-head-pitch-weather-report-1771847540083">PAK vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch &amp; weather report</a>&nbsp;Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who is also suspended for the second leg, controversially criticised Vinicius for his effusive goal celebration and said his club could not be racist because their greatest icon, Eusebio, was black. With inputs from agencies

If found guilty of racism under UEFA's disciplinary code, the 19-year-old Argentinian could face a ban of up to 10 matches.

Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended from playing in Wednesday’s Champions League second-leg match against Real Madrid. The decision was made by UEFA following an alleged racism incident involving Vinicius Junior last week and its disciplinary panel is still investigating the events of the first leg. In a statement, the governing body said the suspension relates to a possible breach of Article 14 of its disciplinary rules, which deals discriminatory behavior and added that the temporary ban does not affect any final decision that may be issued later. “Upon request of the EDI with an interim report, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations related to a discriminatory behaviour," UEFA statement read. Also Read - KAR vs J&K, Ranji Trophy Final: When and where to watch Karnataka vs Jammu & Kashmir match live streaming Prestianni, who argued with Vinicius while covering his mouth with his shirt, insists he did not racially abuse the Real Madrid forward. Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said the incident was a "disgrace to football", while striker Kylian Mbappe said Prestianni "doesn't deserve to play in the Champions League any more". Also Read - PAK vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch & weather report Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who is also suspended for the second leg, controversially criticised Vinicius for his effusive goal celebration and said his club could not be racist because their greatest icon, Eusebio, was black. With inputs from agencies

If found guilty of racism under UEFA's disciplinary code, the 19-year-old Argentinian could face a ban of up to 10 matches.

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni handed provisional ban by UEFA over alleged racism incident towards Real Madrid's Vinicius

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Kolkata finally wakes up: Thousands flock to Salt Lake stadium for historic India-Brazil clash

Brazil announce 26-member squad for friendlies, including against India

Arsenal eye shock Vinicius Junior transfer as Real Madrid talks hit deadlock

Benfica winger Prestianni handed provisional ban by UEFA over racism incident