India, Sept. 29 -- Kolkata is about to trade its familiar roar of maidaan derbies for samba rhythms. The five-time world champions, ranked fifth in the current FIFA standings, are set to meet 138th-ranked India in the first-ever senior men's meeting between the two nations, with Vinicius Junior and Raphinha leading Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad.

Only nine players from Brazil's World Cup group were retained, and Neymar has retired from international football. Brazil are also the best-ranked opponents India have faced since FIFA rankings began in 1992. For the Blue Tigers it is a David-versus-Goliath night, and for the City of Joy a fixture that will be talked about for decades.

Where Will the Brazil Football Team Stay in Kolkata?

The I...