New Delhi, September 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has rescheduled the men’s international friendly between India and Panama from September 26 to September 25.
The highly anticipated fixture will be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru during the FIFA Men’s International Match Window. India, known as the Blue Tigers, will take on 44th-ranked Panama, who featured at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The match will mark the first-ever meeting between India and Panama and will also be only the ninth different CONCACAF opponent India have faced in their history.
Panama, known as Los Canaleros, will provide India with another opportunity to test themselves against a World Cup-playing nation. The September fixture is currently the first of four matches India are scheduled to play against nations that participated in this summer’s World Cup.
India will next face Brazil on October 3, before travelling to New Zealand for two friendlies against the hosts on November 12 and 15 during the next FIFA international window.
The first New Zealand match will be held at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland, while the second will take place at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
The fixtures were announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand and will form part of sporting events celebrating ‘100 Years of Unity Through Sport’ between the two countries.
India and New Zealand have previously met twice. Their first encounter ended in a goalless draw at the 1981 Merdeka Tournament in Malaysia, while New Zealand won 2-1 at the 2018 Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai.
New Zealand also participated in the FIFA World Cup 2026, drawing against IR Iran and losing to Egypt and Belgium.
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