Brazil to play Bangladesh on October 6 in a FIFA friendly after India tie? CBF's sudden Dhaka visit raises speculations

A sudden visit by a five-member Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) delegation in Dhaka on August 23 has raised a speculation of a possible FIFA friendly between the five-time world champions and Bangladesh. The CBF delegation' visit comes just three days after their inspection at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata where Brazil will be playing India on October 3.

Led by Sérgio Dimas de Oliveira, General Supervisor of Brazil men's national teams, the CBF delegation reached the National Stadium in Dhaka after landing in the capital city at 1 PM local time. The five-member team spent nearly 45 minutes inside the National Stadium, and had a close look at the newly laid greenish pitch, dressing rooms, galleries and other facilities.

According to sources, Bangladesh could play host to Brazil on October 6 as a part of their Asian tour. “There is a possibility of Brazil playing Bangladesh on October 6 in a FIFA friendly,” the source, close to the developments, told Livemint on Monday. If the proposed fixture goes ahead, it could mark Brazil's first-ever visit to Bangladesh.

Following their inspection at the National Stadium in Dhaka, the CBF delegation went to the training facility at Basundhara Kings. According to Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) executive committee member Iqbal Hossain, a Brazil vs Bangladesh clash is still not a confirmed fixture.

“What they told us is that they can use our stadium as a neutral venue or can play against Bangladesh in future,” Hossain told reporters on Sunday. “We told them that the preparation of the ground is going on and it may take another two weeks to complete the works. They also talked to the groundsmen and told me that they may visit again if needed.”

What happened in Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata?

During CBF's Kolkata visit to, the Brazil officials were happy with the facilities, but also suggested that size of the grass on the main pitch to be increased to avoid injuries. While several media reports stated that Brazilian delegation weren't happy with the size of the grass, in reality it tells a different story. They also the training facility adjacent to the main stadium.

Meanwhile, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is also in talks with the Cape Verde Football and the Panama Football Association for FIFA friendlies before and after the Brazil game. To prioritise the Brazil friendly, the AIFF has withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup. Bangladesh will be playing in the continental showpiece, replacing India.

While nothing has been officially made public, but is it assumed that India will play Panama around September 26 or 27 and Cape Verde on October 6.