According to reports, the Indian football team is set to face Cape Verde in an international friendly during the October FIFA window. The fixture has received verbal confirmation from informed sources, although an official announcement is still awaited. The match is scheduled for October 6, four days after India’s much-anticipated friendly against Brazil on October 3. The venue for the Cape Verde game has not yet been decided, with the All India Football Federation expected to confirm the details once the arrangements are finalised. Cape Verde’s inclusion would give India another opportunity to test themselves against a side that made headlines at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The African nation reached the knockout stage on their World Cup debut and impressed with an unbeaten group-stage campaign.
The proposed Cape Verde fixture would add another major challenge to what is shaping up to be a busy October for the Blue Tigers. Reports also suggest that AIFF is working on arranging a third international friendly during the same window, potentially giving India another game before their meeting with Brazil. FIFA’s September 21-October 6 window allows teams to schedule multiple friendlies, and AIFF has been exploring options after prioritising the Brazil fixture over the ASEAN Cup. If the Cape Verde match is formally confirmed, India could therefore have a packed period of international football, with two high-profile opponents already lined up and another fixture potentially in the works.
“Exceptional opportunity”: AIFF defends Brazil friendly, rejects financial penalty claims over ASEAN Cup withdrawal
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has rejected claims that India’s decision to withdraw from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 has resulted in a predetermined financial penalty or fine. The federation also objected to what it described as the circulation of unverified figures and claims about its finances. India withdrew from the tournament after its schedule clashed with the high-profile friendly against five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. The AIFF defended the decision, saying it was taken through the appropriate institutional process and that the Brazil fixture represented a major opportunity for Indian football.
“The decision to host five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata was taken through the appropriate institutional processes, recognising the exceptional opportunity it presents for Indian football, the national team and millions of fans,” the AIFF said. The federation added, “The match will give a morale boost to the Indian national team while driving fans towards Indian football, the impact of which is unquantifiable. The match is a mutually agreed international sporting opportunity between two football federations and should not be portrayed as a one-sided arrangement.” Addressing the criticism over its finances, AIFF said, “The AIFF respects the democratic right to express opinions on Indian football. However, statements concerning the Federation’s finances and use of funds must be based on facts and verifiable information.” It warned that continued circulation of false claims could lead to legal action.
