Brazil National Football Team are exploring options around a possible training base in Dhaka before their October 3 friendly against India in Kolkata, with the Bangladesh Football Federation confirming that all possibilities were discussed during a recent visit by a Brazilian delegation. However, no decision has been finalised yet.
The five-member delegation arrived in Dhaka on August 23 as part of preparations for Brazil’s Asian tour and inspected the National Stadium, Bashundhara Kings Arena and several hotels. Speaking to The Daily Star, BFF president Tabith Awal confirmed that a potential training session as well as a friendly against Bangladesh had been discussed.
“The answers are yes. We discussed all options,” Awal said when asked if Brazil could either train in Dhaka or play Bangladesh before or after their India fixture.
The delegation also assessed the condition of the pitches and surrounding facilities, while discussing potential cooperation between the two federations in infrastructure, pitch development, coaching, sports science and friendly matches. Brazil are scheduled to play Australia in Townsville and Brisbane on September 25 and 29 before travelling to Kolkata.
WHY WOULD BRAZIL WANT TO TRAIN IN BANGLADESH?
A Dhaka training base would offer Brazil another option between their Australia fixtures and the India friendly, although the current discussions do not confirm that this will happen.
The CBF delegation found the playing surfaces at the National Stadium and Bashundhara Kings Arena acceptable for the Brazilian team, according to Awal, although some supporting facilities require upgrades.
“The delegation found the pitches and adjacent areas at both the National Stadium and Bashundhara Kings Arena to be of an acceptable standard for the Brazilian national team, although some improvements are required to additional infrastructure, including dressing rooms, technical staff areas and security at entry and exit gates,” Awal said.
Brazil have also been linked with a possible friendly against Bangladesh on October 5 or 6. However, Bangladesh’s participation in the FIFA ASEAN Cup, which runs from September 24 to October 4 in Indonesia, complicates that possibility.
INDIA’S TURF PROBLEMS FLAGGED BY BRAZIL
Brazil’s inspection in Dhaka comes after concerns were reportedly raised over the playing surface at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, the venue for the October 3 fixture.
The CBF delegation reportedly flagged thin grass coverage, an uneven surface and concerns over turf maintenance, with the condition of the pitch viewed as a potential injury risk for Brazil’s players. With high-profile names such as Vinicius Jr. expected to feature, improvements will be required before the match.
The pitch concerns add another layer to the preparations for a fixture that has already generated considerable attention in India.
BRAZIL vs INDIA FACES BOYCOTT CALLS
The match has also faced criticism over its financial implications. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia questioned the reported Rs 50-70 crore expenditure on bringing Brazil to Kolkata, arguing that such spending could come at the expense of Bengal’s domestic football and grassroots development. Bhutia even went on to urge fans to boycott the fixture in a show of protest for the side withdrawing from the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
Brazil have never played in Bangladesh, making a potential Dhaka visit a significant development for the country’s football supporters. For now, though, their confirmed itinerary remains Australia followed by Kolkata, with the Dhaka option still under discussion.
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