India, Aug. 20 -- India are likely to play Cape Verde in Kolkata or Kochi on October 6. With the match against Brazil scheduled here on October 3 and two more away to New Zealand in November, 2026 could be the year India play four matches against teams from the last World Cup, an unprecedented event in the history of the men's team.

"There aren't too many stadiums in India that meet the requirements of holding a FIFA international. Hence, Kolkata or Kochi," an official at All India Football Federation (AIFF) told HT on Wednesday.

Cape Verde, whose fairytale run in the 2026 World Cup included holding champions Spain to a 0-0 draw and taking finalists Argentina to extra-time, have promoted assistant Humberto Bettencourt as head coach foll...