India will host twoโtime FIFA World Cup winners Uruguay for a friendly in Kolkata on October 6, 2026, making them the third World Cupโplaying nation to face the Blue Tigers after Panama and Brazil.
India will host two-time FIFA World Cup winners Uruguay for a friendly football encounter in Kolkata on October 6, 2026. The visiting side would be the third World Cup-playing nation to be in action in the Indian subcontinent after Panama and Brazil.
The clash would take place after the high-profile Brazil friendly fixture in the FIFA window at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake, Kolkata.
India to host Uruguay after Brazil friendlies
The All India Football Federation made the India-Uruguay announcement public, making the country a desirable place to engage in international friendlies after Brazil and Panama matches were confirmed.
“The Indian men’s national team will welcome another heavyweight of world football to Kolkata, with two-time FIFA World Cup champions Uruguay set to face India in an international friendly match at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on October 6, 2026. The fixture will be India’s third high-profile international friendly of the window,” the AIFF said in a statement.
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More from SportsThe 20th-ranked Uruguay had a forgettable campaign in the 2026 World Cup, finishing third in Group H and were knocked out in the group stage. La Celeste drew against Saudi Arabia and World Cup debutants Cape Verde before being defeated by eventual winners Spain 0-1.
Blue Tigers receive rare opportunity
The September-October window would be momentous for Indian football, with three FIFA World Cupโplaying nations, Brazil, Panama, and Uruguay set to visit the country. For the Blue Tigers, itโs a rare and invaluable opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition, including two multiโtime world champions.
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While the moment is indeed historic, there is still criticism over AIFF withdrawing from the inaugural edition of the FIFA ASEAN Cup, which critics believe held more importance than the international friendlies.
India will face Panama on September 26 in Bengaluru, while the VYBK in Kolkata will host the heavyweights Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6, 2026.