AIFF confirms India will play Brazil friendly and FIFA ASEAN Cup with two separate squads

New Delhi, August 6: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday confirmed that India will participate in both the high-profile international friendly against Brazil and the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 by fielding two separate squads.The decision was taken during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting held at the Football House in New Delhi under the chairmanship of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey.Earlier, there were reports that India could withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup due to a scheduling clash with the Brazil match. However, the AIFF has now put an end to the speculation by deciding to compete in both tournaments.The AIFF Executive Committee meeting was held at Football House on Thursday.Read more https://t.co/fBfgiyzYG2#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/7sGGq4tKD4— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) August 6, 2026 Two Squads For Two CompetitionsIndia will face five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil in an international friendly in Kolkata on October 3, 2026. At the same time, the FIFA ASEAN Cup will be held in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3.To ensure participation in both events, the AIFF will send separate squads for each competition and will formally inform FIFA about the decision.The federation said the match against Brazil is a rare opportunity for Indian players to test themselves against one of the strongest teams in world football. The game will also be played during the FIFA international window.India Likely To Miss FIFA ASEAN Cup As Historic Brazil Friendly Forces AIFF Into Tough Choice: ReportThe Executive Committee also approved the AIFF's budget for the 2026-27 financial year and discussed steps needed to comply with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. Member Associations whose elections are due this year have been asked to complete the required compliance process by October 20, 2026.

India could miss the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 after the national team's historic friendly against Brazil created a clash in the international calendar, according to Khel Now.The report says that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is expected to take a final call soon, with both the Brazil match and the ASEAN Cup falling in the same FIFA international window.The Blue Tigers are scheduled to play Brazil in Kolkata on October 3, marking the first time the South American giants will face India on Indian soil. The announcement has generated massive excitement among football fans across the country. India are likely to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup due to a fixture clash with the India vs Brazil friendly.AIFF had proposed sending a second team for the ASEAN Cup, but the proposal has reportedly been rejected by FIFA. @KhelNow @FootyIndia_ pic.twitter.com/9oK1FS8g4z— U bad (@ubad433) August 6, 2026 However, the high-profile friendly could come at a cost. As per reports, FIFA regulations will not allow India to send a reserve or Under-23 squad to the ASEAN Cup while the senior team plays Brazil. This has reportedly pushed the AIFF towards withdrawing from the tournament.India had been placed in Division 1 Group A with Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with all three group-stage matches scheduled during the same international window.Bhaichung Bhutia Backs ASEAN Cup ParticipationFormer India captain and football legend Bhaichung Bhutia has reportedly urged the AIFF to reconsider the move.Speaking to Khel Now, Bhutia said the ASEAN Cup would give India several competitive matches against strong Asian opponents, which would be more useful for the team's growth than a single exhibition match.He also highlighted that the tournament offers financial rewards through participation and prize money while helping players gain valuable international experience.According to the report, Bhutia believes regular competitive football is important for a young Indian squad that is preparing for future continental and World Cup qualification campaigns.Brazil Match Becomes AIFF's Biggest ProjectAs per reports, the AIFF is planning one of the biggest football events ever hosted in the country, with the Brazil friendly expected to involve a financial package of around ₹60-70 crore through sponsorships, ticket sales and support from the West Bengal government.Neymar & Vini Jr To Play In India? AIFF Announces India Vs Brazil Historic Football Friendly In Kolkata; Check DateThe report also states that some people within Indian football believe the Brazil fixture could become a major talking point ahead of the next AIFF presidential election.The AIFF is expected to announce its final decision soon on whether India will participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup or prioritise the historic clash against Brazil.

AIFF is weighing the option of withdrawing from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup or fielding a second-string side to prioritise the October 3 friendly against Brazil. While most Executive Committee members favour the marquee clash, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has urged the federation to back the tournament for its sporting and financial benefits.