For India, this is not only about glamour. A run that could include Panama, Brazil and later New Zealand would give the side very different problems to solve.
That matters. For a national team still trying to raise its level, varied opposition can be more valuable than one-off spectacle.
The planned Panama fixture also says something about the direction of travel. India appear to be using every available window to chase stronger opponents and tougher experiences. But this remains a plan, not a final announcement.
There is also the possibility of another match within days of Brazil. A senior AIFF official said there is a “high possibility” of a further friendly on 6 October, with discussions reportedly under way involving other teams with recent World Cup experience.
This is where the schedule becomes interesting. It is not just about sharing a pitch with a giant like Brazil; it is about whether India can turn these matches into progress. Better opposition exposes weaknesses quickly, but it can also sharpen decision-making, defensive discipline and belief.
The next step is simple: watch for confirmation on Panama, and just as importantly, where the game will be played. After that, all eyes turn to 3 October - and to whether India’s tougher calendar can become a genuine springboard rather than a headline.