India Likely to Host Cape Verde in October Friendly: Report

India are likely to host Cape Verde in an international friendly between September 30 and October 6, according to sources, with discussions over the exact date and venue still ongoing. The proposed match could be staged before or after India’s high-profile friendly against Brazil in Kolkata on October 3.

The report said talks are underway but no agreement has yet been officially finalised. A source told PTI that there is a high probability of India hosting Cape Verde during the September 30 to October 6 period, while the remaining arrangements are being deliberated.

For the Blue Tigers, the possibility of facing Cape Verde would add another notable international opponent to the October schedule. Cape Verde arrive in the discussion after drawing widespread attention with their performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cape Verde talks remain ongoing

“The talks are on but it is yet to be finalised. But there is high probability that India will host Cape Verde between September 30 and October 6,” the source told PTI.

The source added that the venue and date will be decided once the fixture is officially confirmed. “The modalities and deliberations are on. Hopefully, it will be finalised shortly,” the source said.

At present, neither a host city nor a confirmed match date has been announced for the proposed India-Cape Verde game. The timing remains significant because it would fall in the same period as India’s proposed encounter with Brazil in Kolkata on October 3.

The Cape Verde fixture, if completed, would give Indian supporters the prospect of seeing a team that made a major impact on its World Cup debut. The report does not specify whether the match would be scheduled immediately before or after the Brazil friendly, only that both are being considered within the same international window.

Cape Verde are currently ranked 64th and emerged as one of the standout stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their tournament began with an unbeaten group-stage run, highlighted by a goalless draw against eventual champions Spain.

They also drew 2-2 with Uruguay and played out another 0-0 result against Saudi Arabia, results that carried them into the last 32. Their progress marked a historic achievement in the country’s first appearance at the World Cup.

World Cup run raised Cape Verde’s profile

Cape Verde’s first World Cup campaign ended in the round of 32 against defending champions Argentina, but only after they took the contest to extra time. The side twice came from behind before eventually losing 3-2 after extra time.

That run elevated Cape Verde’s profile internationally and made a potential meeting with India a noteworthy prospect. The country became the smallest nation and the second least-populated country after Iceland to qualify for the World Cup, according to the report.

For now, the proposed India-Cape Verde match remains subject to confirmation. The key outstanding details are the venue, the final date and its placement around the October 3 Brazil friendly in Kolkata. Should the talks conclude successfully, India would host a World Cup last-32 side whose debut campaign included draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Until an official announcement is made, the fixture should be regarded as a likely but unconfirmed addition to India’s October plans. The coming decision on the arrangements will determine whether the Blue Tigers’ schedule includes both Brazil and Cape Verde in the same window.