The highly anticipated friendly match between Argentina’s national football team and India, originally scheduled for November 17 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, has been officially postponed, with organizers citing delays in FIFA permission and unmet hosting requirements.
Official Announcement
Anto Augustine, managing director of Reporter Broadcasting Company—the match sponsor—announced the postponement on social media. Augustine, a Kerala businessman and Managing Director of Emaraj Group International, stated the game will be rescheduled for FIFA’s next international match window, with a new date to be announced shortly.
“Considering the delay in receiving FIFA’s permission, after discussions with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), it has been decided to postpone the match from the November window,” Augustine wrote on Facebook.
AFA’s Explanation
Spanish media outlet La Nacion, citing an AFA official, reported Kerala did not meet requirements to host the match due to “repeated breaches.”
“We did everything possible to make it happen in November; a delegation even travelled to India to see the field, the hotel… but ultimately, India couldn’t meet the requirements. Unfortunately, there were repeated breaches by India, and what we’re going to do is reorganise the contract to find a new date,” the AFA official stated.
Ongoing Uncertainty
Considerable confusion has surrounded the match since Kerala Sports Minister’s initial announcement. At one point, the Minister stated the match was cancelled, though the AFA confirmed in August that their team would play in Kochi.
Recent Argentine media reports suggested the India match might not occur in November, proposing March 2026 as a potential alternative date.
Logistical Challenges
The postponement reflects challenges in organizing international football matches involving world champions, requiring strict FIFA protocols, adequate facilities, and meeting international football standards for venues, accommodation, and logistics.
Fan Disappointment
The delay disappoints Indian football fans anticipating seeing Lionel Messi and the World Cup-winning Argentine squad. The match would have represented a major moment for Indian football, providing exposure to world-class talent while boosting the sport’s profile domestically.
Organizers must now coordinate with FIFA, AFA, and Indian football authorities to identify a suitable date meeting all requirements for the rescheduled friendly.
