The Indian senior men’s national football team will return to Bengaluru as the Sree Kanteerava Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for their international friendly against Panama on September 26, 2026.
The match will be played during the FIFA Men’s International Match Window and will mark the first appearance of the Blue Tigers in Bengaluru since their memorable SAFF Championship 2023 campaign.
Bengaluru holds special memories for Indian football fans, with the Sree Kanteerava Stadium serving as the venue for the dramatic 2023 SAFF Championship final. India defeated Kuwait in the final to lift the title on home soil, with the team receiving tremendous support from the passionate Bengaluru crowd throughout the tournament.
The September fixture will present India with a demanding challenge against a strong Panama side. Currently ranked 44th in the FIFA World Rankings, Panama will arrive with valuable experience of competing at the highest level after featuring at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
For India, the encounter will be an important opportunity to test themselves against a World Cup participant and gain valuable international experience ahead of a high-profile clash against another global heavyweight.
The Panama friendly will be particularly significant as it forms part of a demanding international schedule for the Blue Tigers. Exactly one week later, on October 3, India are scheduled to face five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata.
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
