The All India Football Federation (AIFF), under president Kalyan Chaubey, has faced plenty of criticism over its decisions in recent years. India's failure to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, following a disappointing World Cup qualification campaign, only raised more questions over the direction of Indian football.
But the federation now appears to be taking a different approach. They have started organizing high-profile international friendlies.
After India withdrew from the ASEAN Cup 2026, the AIFF finalised a blockbuster friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup winners Brazil in Kolkata on October 3.
Talks with Cape Verde were also reportedly held, while the latest reports suggest India could face Panama in September.
According to reports, India and Panama could meet on September 26 or 27, with the venue yet to be finalised. The AIFF has reportedly signed a letter of intent with Panama for the friendly during the September-October international window.
The bigger question, however, remains, can these mouthwatering friendlies actually help Indian football?
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Brazil Is A Huge Opportunity
There is no doubt that playing Brazil is a historic opportunity for Indian football. Brazil, one of the world's most successful footballing nations, will provide the Blue Tigers with an entirely different level of challenge.
Indian players can learn from facing world-class attackers, technically gifted midfielders and a team accustomed to playing at the highest level.
However, there is also an opportunity cost. India withdrew from the ASEAN Cup to prioritise the Brazil fixture. While the decision is understandable given the rarity of hosting Brazil, a tournament would have provided multiple competitive matches against regional opponents.
That makes the reported Cape Verde and Panama fixtures even more important.
Why Cape Verde And Panama Matter?
Cape Verde could provide a particularly interesting test. The African side made its FIFA World Cup debut in 2026 and reached the Round of 32, where they pushed Argentina before losing 3-2 after extra time.
Panama, meanwhile, were also part of the 2026 World Cup. Although they failed to advance from their group, facing a World Cup-level opponent would still give India valuable exposure to a different style of football.
The national team should not only play against opponents it is expected to beat. It needs matches against stronger teams, similarly ranked teams and opponents from different footballing cultures.
Will Three Friendlies Fix Indian Football?
Three matches cannot fix India's academy system, grassroots football, coaching structure or player development pipeline.
This is where Bhaichung Bhutia's criticism deserves attention. The former India captain has questioned the amount of money being spent on the Brazil friendly and argued that greater investment should go towards academies and developing young footballers.
The broader question is about long-term value. If the AIFF spends heavily on bringing major international teams to India, what happens after the final whistle? Will more money reach grassroots football? Will the academies improve? Will young players receive better coaching and facilities?
These are the questions in mind of fans and pundits that matter more than the result against Brazil.
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Friendlies Can Still Create A Footballing Spark
At the same time, it would be wrong to suggest that these matches have no value. Brazil coming to Kolkata is already generating huge interest among fans. A packed stadium, television audiences and global attention can once again put Indian football in the spotlight.
That can help attract sponsors, bring supporters back to stadiums and inspire young children to follow the sport.
The key is what the AIFF does with that attention. If Brazil, Cape Verde and Panama are simply treated as three glamorous evenings, their impact will be temporary.
The AIFF has managed to create excitement around the national team again after India’s drastically poor performances in the recent times.