Indian football will witness one of its biggest matches when the Blue Tigers take on five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil in an international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 3.The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the game on Thursday following reports in the Brazilian media over the past few days.“A date for the history books. India vs Brazil FIFA International Friendly at Salt Lake Stadium on October 3,” the AIFF posted on its official X handle.The match will see India play the highest ranked team they have faced since the FIFA World Ranking system was introduced in 1992. Brazil are currently ranked fifth in the world.Brazil, captained by Marquinhos and featuring players like Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, are scheduled to travel to India after playing two friendlies against Australia in Queensland on September 25 and 29.The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had already announced those matches, while Brazilian outlet GE Globo reported that Brazil’s third game during the October FIFA window would be against India in Kolkata.The friendly comes a few months after Brazil’s FIFA World Cup campaign, where they were eliminated in the round of 16.Even after that exit, Brazil continued to enjoy strong support in India, especially in Kolkata, where many fans once decorated the streets in Brazil’s yellow and green colors during the World Cup.AIFF general secretary M Satyanarayan said the match would be a big occasion for Indian football.“Welcoming a team of Brazil’s stature to our country is an extraordinary moment and one that will undoubtedly become a landmark chapter in the history of Indian football,” he said.National Team Director Subrata Paul said the match will give the Indian players a rare chance to prove themselves against one of the biggest footballing nations.“Experiences like these challenge players to grow, inspire them to dream bigger, and leave memories that stay with them throughout their careers,” he said.Kolkata’s long connection with BrazilThe visit of Brazil also renews Kolkata’s long association with the South American side, which goes back nearly five decades.The city’s connection with Brazilian football began on September 24, 1977, when Pelé’s New York Cosmos played Mohun Bagan in an exhibition match at Eden Gardens. The match ended 2-2.Kolkata has also hosted other big football clubs, including German champions Bayern Munich, who played Mohun Bagan in Oliver Kahn’s farewell match in 2008.