Sports
India Withdraws from FIFA ASEAN Cup for Brazil Friendly
The Times of India2h
THE BRIEF
1
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially withdrawn the national team from the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritize a high-profile friendly against Brazil in Kolkata.
2
The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with critics arguing that the team is choosing commercial glamour over competitive growth in regional tournaments.
3
The Brazil match is scheduled for October 2026, and the AIFF is currently planning additional friendlies against other World Cup-qualified teams to boost the national ranking.