6 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) The Indian men’s football team is set for a major international challenge as the Blue Tigers take on two-time FIFA World Cup champions Uruguay in a friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM IST and will bring the curtain down on India’s three-match international window. The Blue Tigers have already faced Panama and five-time World Cup champions Brazil during the current international break.
India began the window with a 1-1 draw against Panama in Bengaluru before suffering a 4-0 defeat against Brazil in Kolkata. The Uruguay fixture now provides another opportunity for head coach Khalid Jamil’s side to compete against high-level international opposition.
Uruguay, who have won the FIFA World Cup twice, arrive in Kolkata with a strong footballing pedigree. The South American side are known for their physical approach, intensity and technical quality. Their squad includes several experienced international players, making the contest another demanding examination for India.
For the Blue Tigers, the match is significant because it gives the players another opportunity to gain experience against one of the world’s established football nations. India’s players will have to deal with Uruguay’s intensity while attempting to create opportunities against an experienced defence.
Khalid Jamil has selected a 26-member squad for the international window. The group includes experienced players such as goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defenders Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali, midfielders Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh and Brandon Fernandes, and forwards including Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams and Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Ryan Williams will be one of India’s attacking players to watch after scoring in the 1-1 draw against Panama. His pace and ability to attack space could be important as India look to threaten Uruguay on transitions.
India’s midfield will also have an important role. Players such as Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh and Brandon Fernandes will be expected to help the team retain possession and create a link between defence and attack.
Uruguay will provide a particularly tough test in the defensive and attacking areas. Ronald Araujo is among the prominent names associated with the Uruguayan squad, while forward Darwin Nunez provides a major threat in the final third. Their experience at the highest level of international and club football adds another dimension to the contest.
The fixture also marks the final act of an unusual international window for India. The Blue Tigers have faced three teams that featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — Panama, Brazil and Uruguay. The sequence has given India exposure to different styles of international football.
Against Panama, India showed resilience to secure a draw. The Brazil match demonstrated the challenge posed by a side operating at the highest level, while Uruguay are expected to offer a different test based on intensity, physicality and technical quality.
The Kolkata crowd is also expected to add to the atmosphere. The Salt Lake Stadium is one of India’s most recognised football venues and has traditionally attracted passionate supporters. Uruguay’s visit has generated considerable interest among football fans in the city.
Uruguay have also spent time exploring Kolkata ahead of the match, including a visit to Eden Gardens. The team’s presence has added further excitement around the fixture.
Where to Watch India vs Uruguay
Football fans in India can watch the match live on the Sony Sports Network and Sony Aath. The game will also be streamed live on Sony LIV. Coverage is available across Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 3 Hindi and Sony Sports Ten 4, along with Bengali coverage on Sony Aath.
The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST on October 6 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
For India, the immediate objective will be to finish the international window with a competitive performance against another World Cup-level opponent. The players will look to build on the positives from the Panama game while learning from the experience against Brazil.
The Uruguay match could also provide Jamil with an opportunity to assess players and combinations ahead of India’s upcoming international assignments. With the team continuing to develop under his leadership, matches against established football nations can provide valuable competitive experience.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will be looking to use the fixture as part of their own preparations and development under their coaching setup. The visitors’ combination of experience, technical ability and physical strength will make them a difficult opponent for India.
As the Blue Tigers prepare for their final match of the international window, the focus will be on discipline, defensive organisation, midfield control and taking advantage of opportunities in attack.
The India-Uruguay friendly is therefore more than just another exhibition match. It is another chance for Indian footballers to measure themselves against an established global team and for supporters to witness a high-profile international fixture on home soil.