Football: India-Cape Verde likely on Oct. 6
India Set to Face Cape Verde in Kolkata or Kochi on October 6
Bharatmorningnews.com – The All India Football Federation has confirmed that a friendly between India and Cape Verde is expected to take place on October 6, with the venue narrowed down to either Kolkata or Kochi. The decision hinges on which city can satisfy FIFA's stadium standards for an international fixture.
"There aren't too many stadiums in India that meet the requirements of holding a FIFA international. Hence, Kolkata or Kochi," an AIFF official told HT on Wednesday.
A Historic Year for Men's Football
If all scheduled fixtures materialize, 2026 will mark the first time in the men's team's history that India plays four matches against sides that qualified for the most recent World Cup. The calendar already includes a home clash with Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata, two away trips to New Zealand in November, and the anticipated Cape Verde encounter.
Cape Verde's Coaching Shift and Pre-Tour Schedule
The island nation arrives in India fresh from a remarkable World Cup campaign in which they forced reigning champions Spain into a goalless draw and pushed finalists Argentina into extra time. Following that fairytale run, assistant Humberto Bettencourt has been elevated to head coach after Bubista departed for a club in Morocco.
Before reaching Indian shores, Cape Verde must complete two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers: an away trip to Mali on September 23 and a home fixture against Rwanda on September 27. Notably, Rwanda's bench is occupied by Stephen Constantine, who previously served as India's head coach.
India's Preparatory Camp
Khalid Jamil's squad is expected to assemble in Kolkata for a training camp once the international window opens on September 21. According to the AIFF official, the federation is also exploring the possibility of scheduling an additional friendly ahead of the Brazil match.
Brazil Delegation Arrives for Venue Inspection
For the October 3 contest, Brazil is anticipated to send a delegation of roughly 90 members. Five representatives from the CBF, Brazil's governing body, are scheduled to land in Kolkata late on Wednesday to conduct a venue recce that will continue through Friday.
Diamond Harbour FC Misses ISL Payment Deadline
In separate club-level news, another AIFF official disclosed that Diamond Harbour FC failed to settle approximately ₹66 lakh — the second instalment of their Indian Super League participation fee — by the Wednesday 2 p.m. deadline.
"Since there is no time to draft in a new club, it is possible that this season's competition will have 13 teams," the official said.
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