Form and Line-up India
India are going through a difficult spell. In their last 17 matches, the hosts have won just three times — against modest Hong Kong, Bhutan and Tajikistan — while losing eight and drawing six. India have failed to win any of their last five friendlies, drawing with Panama (1:1) and Tajikistan (1:1), but losing to Jamaica (0:2), Zimbabwe (0:1) and Tajikistan again (1:3).
India's defence, made up of players from the domestic Indian Super League (ISL), regularly falters. Their only advantages are Kolkata's challenging climate, the enduring presence of veteran leader Sunil Chhetri and the intense enthusiasm of the home supporters.
India's key numbers:
India are winless in 5 consecutive matches (2 draws, 3 defeats).
India have conceded in 11 consecutive matches.
India are 138th in the current FIFA rankings.
Probable India line-up (4-4-2): Gurpreet Sandhu — Tekcham Singh, Bijoy Varghese, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra — Vikram Singh, Apuia Ralte, Ricky Shabong, Ashique Kuruniyan — Ryan Williams, Manvir Singh.
Form and Line-up Brazil
The five-time world champions continue to test their squad under Carlo Ancelotti. After being knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Norway (1:2), Brazil played two away friendlies against Australia — the first ended 1:1, while in the second match, on 29 September, they produced an impressive display to win 4:2. The South Americans remain strong in attack — they have scored in 15 consecutive matches.
Even allowing for a busy schedule and likely rotation after long flights, Brazil's European-based players have a clear edge in quality. Even without Raphinha, who has left the national team camp, motivated young talents such as Endrick and players from Europe's top clubs will put enormous pressure on India's slow defence.
Brazil's key numbers:
Both teams to score – Yes landed in 8 of Brazil's previous 10 matches.
Fewer than 4.5 yellow cards were shown in 9 of Brazil's last 10 matches.
Brazil are 5th in the current FIFA rankings.
Probable Brazil line-up (4-3-3): Otavio — Vanderson, Jair, Gabriel Magalhães, Mauro Júnior — Gabriel Bontempo, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo — Ryan, Endrick, Vinicius Junior.
Absentees: Wesley, Raphinha (both injured).
