Brazil eyes playing friendly match against Bangladesh in Oct

Five-time world champions Brazil are reportedly exploring the possibility of playing a friendly against Bangladesh in October, following a surprise visit by a delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to Dhaka.

A five-member CBF delegation arrived in the capital on August 23 and inspected the National Stadium and Kings Arena. The delegation also held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal.

Brazil are scheduled to face Australia in two friendlies on September 25 and 29 before playing India in Kolkata on October 3.

Sources said the Selecao are interested in facing Bangladesh on October 6, the final day of the September–October FIFA international window.

However, neither the CBF nor the BFF has officially confirmed the proposed match.

The plan faces major scheduling challenges, as Bangladesh are set to compete in the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia from September 24 to October 4.

The tournament schedule could leave Bangladesh with little recovery time before a potential match against Brazil.

Another complication is FIFA regulations, which allow national teams to play a maximum of four matches during the international window.

Bangladesh are expected to play at least four matches in the ASEAN Cup, meaning an additional fixture against Brazil may not receive FIFA recognition.

The financial cost would also be significant. Sources said the BFF could be required to arrange charter flights for Brazil’s approximately 90-member contingent from Kolkata to Dhaka and then onwards to Dubai, in addition to other expenses. Still, the cost could be lower than bringing the Brazilian team directly from South America.

Recent reports suggesting Brazil were unhappy with aspects of the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata had fuelled speculation that the team might shift its India fixture to Dhaka.

However, the CBF delegation’s visit appears to be linked to a separate plan involving Bangladesh.

For now, football fans in Bangladesh can only wait to see whether the ambitious proposal turns into reality.