Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium will host the Indian senior men’s football team’s international friendly against Panama on September 26, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Thursday.
The match will be played during the FIFA Men’s International Match Window and will mark India’s return to Bengaluru after the memorable 2023 SAFF Championship campaign, when the Blue Tigers won the title by defeating Kuwait in the final at the same venue.
World No. 44 Panama will provide India with a strong test, having featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The fixture will also be India’s first friendly against a World Cup participant during the upcoming international window.
The match comes a week before India face five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. India will then take on two-time world champions Uruguay in Kolkata on October 6.
Bengaluru has previously witnessed India produce a notable result against higher-ranked opposition, beating the United Arab Emirates 1-0 in a 2001 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
AIFF Vice President and Karnataka State Football Association President N.A. Haris welcomed the return of the national team to Bengaluru, recalling the passionate support the side received during the 2023 SAFF Championship.
He expressed confidence that football fans across Karnataka would once again create a memorable atmosphere for the Blue Tigers when they take on Panama.
The September 26 fixture is part of a demanding international schedule for India, with matches against three strong opponents—Panama, Brazil and Uruguay—providing valuable preparation and competitive exposure for the national side.
(Inputs from AIFF)
