Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:09am on 14 Aug 2026,Friday Sports
India have withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise a high-profile international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayanan confirmed that India cannot participate in both competitions because their dates overlap. The ASEAN Cup is scheduled during the September 21–October 6 international window, with India originally drawn alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The AIFF had considered sending a developmental squad but ultimately chose to withdraw and focus on the Brazil fixture. The decision gives India an opportunity to face a top-ranked opponent amid limited opportunities for high-level international matches.
