New Delhi, Sept. 22 -- 2026 is a huge year for Indian football. After playing against higher-ranked teams like Jamaica and Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup in London, India are set to host Panama, five-time world champions Brazil, and two-time World Cup winners Uruguay during the September-October FIFA international window.

India are also scheduled to play New Zealand in November in two more FIFA friendlies - a rare sight for the Indian footballers in their calendar. Notably, Panama, Brazil, Uruguay and New Zealand have recently been a part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

For India head coach Khalid Jamil, the games against these World Cup teams are not just about the high-profile opponents but are the "best possible ...