Brazil propose October match against Bangladesh in Dhaka

Brazil have proposed playing a friendly match against Bangladesh at Dhaka’s National Stadium in October, raising the prospect of the five-time world champions making their first-ever appearance in the country.

The possibility gained momentum after a five-member delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) visited Dhaka on Sunday and inspected the National Stadium, including the pitch, dressing rooms, stands and media facilities. 

The delegation also visited Bashundhara Kings Arena before meeting Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal later that evening.

According to a BFF source, Brazil are interested in travelling to Dhaka after the FIFA ASEAN Cup and have proposed playing Bangladesh on October 5 or 6, immediately after the September FIFA international window.

Brazil are reportedly planning to bring a squad and delegation of around 90 members for the proposed match.

The BFF, however, has yet to make a final decision, as Bangladesh’s international schedule remains a key consideration.

The ASEAN Cup final is scheduled to take place in Indonesia on October 3, while the tournament is set to begin on September 24. 

Bangladesh are expected to play three group-stage matches, leaving the BFF to weigh the demands of the tournament against Brazil’s proposal.

Brazil are already scheduled to face India in a friendly in Kolkata on October 3. India withdrew from the FIFA ASEAN Cup to accommodate the fixture, with Bangladesh subsequently invited to participate in the tournament.

Brazil’s proposed Dhaka visit is understood to be linked to their India trip, potentially allowing the South American giants to play Bangladesh before or after their Kolkata fixture.

Brazil have never previously played a match in Bangladesh. If the proposed friendly goes ahead, it would therefore mark a landmark occasion for Bangladeshi football fans.

The National Stadium last hosted a major visit by a global football superstar in 2011, when Lionel Messi and Argentina played Nigeria in a friendly on September 6.

For now, however, the Brazil-Bangladesh fixture remains a proposal. The BFF is expected to take a final decision after considering Bangladesh’s ASEAN Cup commitments and other logistical issues.