India have withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise their high-profile international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil in October, All India Football Federation (AIFF) deputy secretary general M Satyanarayanan said on Thursday.
India were originally set to participate in the tournament during the September 21-October 6 FIFA international window but will now focus on securing quality international friendlies ahead of their October 3 clash against Brazil at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
“We have pulled out of the FIFA ASEAN Cup since we can’t play both Brazil and FIFA ASEAN Cup,” Satyanarayanan told PTI.
India had accepted FIFA’s invitation to participate in the inaugural competition and were drawn in Division 1 Group A alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Brazil Friendly Takes Priority
The scheduling conflict emerged because India’s Brazil friendly falls within the same international window as the ASEAN Cup.
The AIFF had initially considered sending a separate or developmental squad to the ASEAN tournament but ultimately decided to withdraw completely and use the window for international friendlies.
The match against Brazil was officially announced last month and is expected to provide India with an opportunity to test themselves against one of world football’s most successful teams.
India Exploring More Friendlies
India are also reportedly exploring additional friendlies against teams that participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cabo Verde and Iran are among the teams being discussed, although the AIFF has not officially confirmed either fixture.
The decision represents a change from India’s earlier plans, after the federation had accepted FIFA’s invitation and signed the participation agreement for the ASEAN Cup.
The tournament was conceived as a new international competition for ASEAN teams, with India invited as one of the non-ASEAN participants.
India’s withdrawal means the Blue Tigers will miss the opportunity to face some of Southeast Asia’s leading sides in a FIFA-sanctioned competition.
The team, which failed to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, has struggled to secure regular high-quality opposition in recent years, making the Brazil friendly and any additional fixtures particularly significant.
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