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Bengaluru to host India-Panama men's friendly on September 26
Panama, ranked 44th, will give India a first friendly against a World Cup team in a busy window before Brazil.
On Thursday, the All India Football Federation confirmed Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium will host India's international friendly against Panama on September 26, marking the Blue Tigers' first appearance in the city since their 2023 SAFF Championship title win.
Panama, currently ranked 44th globally, provides a high-quality test as a FIFA World Cup 2026 participant, while Bengaluru previously hosted India's 1-0 victory against the United Arab Emirates in 2001.
"Hosting another international match against a high-quality World Cup nation like Panama is a grand occasion," said NA Haris, All India Football Federation Vice President, noting Bengaluru's special relationship with the national team.
This fixture initiates a busy international period, occurring exactly one week before India faces five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3, forming part of an unprecedented run featuring three World Cup-playing nations.
Following the Brazil match, India will host Uruguay at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 6, with the visitors coached by Diego Forlán, who previously played for Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League.