Less than 50 days remain for the historic football match between Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, and India, ranked 138th in the world.
But before the two teams face each other on the football field at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on October 3, preparations have begun in full swing, with excitement brewing across the state over the marquee fixture.
It all begins with a 7-member technical team from the Brazilian Football Confederation, which is set to arrive in Kolkata at midnight on Thursday to inspect the infrastructure in place.
The unit will first inspect two five-star hotels near the airport on Thursday morning before choosing where the 96-member South American contingent will stay.
Thereafter, in the evening, they are expected to visit the Salt Lake Stadium, review security arrangements, and conduct a thorough inspection of the playing surface.
They will also assess the training ground conditions for Vinicius Junior and his teammates.
The itinerary also involves a proposed visit to the Raj Bhavan on the second day.
Ticket prices
A meeting to discuss ticketing arrangements will be held on Thursday, and final prices may be announced only after the Brazilian delegation completes its inspection and submits its report. However, some media reports have claimed that ticket prices could range from Rs 2,500 to Rs 25,000.
Brazil’s proposed itinerary and travel arrangements
According to the preliminary plan, Brazil will arrive in Kolkata on the night of September 30 after playing a match in Australia.
The team will train in Kolkata on October 1 and 2 before facing India in the high-profile friendly at Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.
A 96-member contingent is expected to travel to Kolkata with the Brazilian team on a chartered flight.
‘Brazil will come with full squad’
The Telegraph Online had earlier spoken to top AIFF officials who assured that Kolkata would witness the likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Endrick in action, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti managing the pack.
“Brazil will come with their full squad (unless anyone gets injured). As things stand, that is the information we have. Carlo Ancelotti is also expected to come,” assured former India goalkeeper and current national football team director, Subrata Paul. Another top AIFF official echoed the same sentiment.