The India vs Brazil football match is almost here, and one question keeps coming up: who could actually be on the pitch? Fans searching for possible players are mainly trying to work out which names could start, which players may come off the bench, and which big Brazilian stars are expected to feature.
The match is scheduled for October 3, 2026, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, commonly known as Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata. It will be the first senior men’s international meeting between India and Brazil. AIFF confirmed the fixture in July, calling it a historic friendly for Indian football.
One update matters before looking at the possible players: Raphinha has now been ruled out after suffering a muscle edema in his right thigh during Brazil’s 4-2 win over Australia. The CBF decided not to call up a replacement.
India Vs Brazil Possible Players For India
India coach Khalid Jamil named a 26-player squad for the September-October international window. The group includes four goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and six forwards.
Among the possible players for India’s starting XI, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is a natural name to watch. He captained India and started in the recent 1-1 draw with Panama. That match also gives us a useful clue about Jamil’s thinking ahead of Brazil.
The defensive options include Bijoy Varghese, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra, Abhishek Singh Tekcham and Jay Gupta. Gupta has attracted extra attention around this fixture because facing Brazil’s attacking players will be a major test for India’s defenders.
In midfield, Lalengmawia Ralte, Ricky Shabong, Ashique Kuruniyan, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Farukh Choudhary, Macarton Nickson and Mohammed Sanan are part of the squad.
The forward group features Ryan Williams, Manvir Singh, Edmund Lalrindika, Rahim Ali, Irfan Yadwad and Vikram Partap Singh. Williams arrives with some momentum after scoring India’s goal against Panama in the 1-1 draw. He finished a move in the 41st minute to give India the lead.
So, when looking at possible players, the Panama starting XI is probably one of the better clues. Gurpreet, Bijoy Varghese, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra, Lalengmawia Ralte, Ricky Shabong, Ashique Kuruniyan, Ryan Williams and Manvir Singh all started that match.
Still, a friendly against Brazil can bring changes. Jamil has a full squad to choose from, and the final XI will depend on training, tactics and player fitness.
Brazil Possible Players For The Match
Brazil arrived with a 26-player squad selected by head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The group contains a mix of established stars and younger players who are being looked at as part of Brazil’s next cycle.
The biggest name is clearly Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid forward remains an important part of Ancelotti’s plans and scored Brazil’s fourth goal from the penalty spot against Australia on September 29.
Endrick is another name fans will be watching. The Real Madrid forward replaced Raphinha during the Australia match and played an important part in Brazil’s third goal, assisting Bruno Guimaraes.
Brazil’s other attacking options include Estevao, Joao Pedro, Pedro, Rayan and Samuel Lino. With Raphinha unavailable, Ancelotti has fewer options on the right side, which could open the door for one of these players.
In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes is a major name. He scored Brazil’s third goal against Australia and has already shown his ability to influence the game from the middle. Other midfield options include Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Danilo Santos, Douglas Luiz and Gabriel Bontempo.
The defence has plenty of experience too. Marquinhos remains one of the most recognisable names, while Gabriel Magalhaes, Vitor Reis, Jair, Arthur Dias, Matheuzinho, Wesley, Douglas Santos and Mauro Junior are also in the squad.
Who Could Start For Brazil?
It is too early to call the starting XI with certainty. Ancelotti has already rotated heavily during the Australia friendlies, so the India match could bring more changes.
Brazil used Otavio, Vanderson, Jair, Gabriel Magalhaes and Mauro Junior across the defence against Australia on September 29, while Bruno Guimaraes started in midfield. Vinicius Junior and Rayan also started that game.
The goalkeeper position is another interesting area. Ancelotti has said that Pedro Morisco is expected to get an opportunity against India after Otavio and Hugo Souza played in the previous matches.
That makes Morisco one of the most interesting possible players to watch in Kolkata.
What About Neymar?
If you are searching for possible players and wondering about Neymar, he is not part of the Brazil squad for this match. The current Brazil group does not include him, with reports noting his international retirement before this new post-World Cup cycle.
Raphinha is also now out because of injury, despite being named in the original squad.
Why The Possible Players Matter
This isn’t just another friendly for Indian football fans. Brazil are five-time world champions, and AIFF says Brazil were ranked fifth when the fixture was announced. It is also the highest-ranked opposition India have faced since the FIFA World Ranking was introduced in 1992.
For India, the match gives players such as Ryan Williams, Jay Gupta, Manvir Singh, Lalengmawia Ralte and Ricky Shabong a chance to test themselves against elite international opposition.
For Brazil, the match is part of a new cycle under Ancelotti, with younger players getting opportunities alongside established names such as Vinicius Junior, Marquinhos and Bruno Guimaraes.
So the possible players list is interesting, but the confirmed starting XIs will only come closer to kick-off. Until then, the official squads, recent line-ups and injury updates are the best clues available.
India Vs Brazil Possible Players: FAQs
Q.1: Who are the possible players for India vs Brazil?
India’s squad includes Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Akash Mishra, Lalengmawia Ralte, Ricky Shabong, Ryan Williams, Manvir Singh and several other players. The final XI has not been confirmed.
Q.2: Will Vinicius Junior play against India?
Vinicius Junior was included in Brazil’s squad and remains available for the Kolkata friendly. He also played and scored against Australia on September 29.
Q.3: Is Raphinha playing against India?
No. Raphinha was removed from Brazil’s squad after a muscle edema in his right thigh. Brazil have decided not to call up a replacement.
Q: Is Neymar playing in India?
No. Neymar is not part of Brazil’s squad for the India friendly.
Q.5: Who could be India’s goalkeeper?
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is one of the main possible players for the position. He started and captained India against Panama.
Q.6: When is India vs Brazil?
India will face Brazil on October 3, 2026, in Kolkata at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
