Bengaluru Midfielder Macarton Nickson Named in India Squad to Face Brazil, Panama
Bengaluru-born midfielder Macarton Louis Nickson has been named in the Indian national football team's 26-man squad by head coach Khalid Jamil for an upcoming series of fixtures against three World Cup-playing nations, including a match at Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
The 10-day run features a fixture against World No. 44 Panama in Bengaluru on September 26, followed by a match against five-time World Champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. India will then conclude the series against Uruguay at the same Kolkata venue on October 6.
For the 22-year-old midfielder, the Bengaluru fixture marks a significant personal milestone. Nickson grew up watching national team matches from the stands at Kanteerava Stadium and the Bangalore Football Stadium, dreaming of one day playing there with his family watching from the crowd. "That is actually my dream," Nickson told DH. "More than me, my family is excited at the possibility."
The clash against Brazil also holds special meaning for Nickson, who grew up watching them on television. While he looks up to Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, he has long admired Neymar's fearlessness and flair, attempting to replicate that style on the pitch. "There are already butterflies in my stomach," Nickson said. "If I get a chance, I will make sure I enjoy every moment on the pitch, and it will be an unforgettable day in my life to play against top-class teams in the world."
Nickson's football journey began in Austin Town, long regarded as a cradle of football in Bengaluru. He started playing at age six under the guidance of his father, Louis Nickson, a former India international who served as his first coach, before advancing through Roots Sports and Bengaluru FC's youth system.
His senior career later gained momentum at NorthEast United under Spanish coach Pedro Benali, where regular playing time and freedom helped him develop an approach centered on dictating midfield rhythm rather than merely breaking up play.
Nickson, who made his senior national team debut after earning his first call-up in 2025, faces competition to secure playing time in the upcoming games. He will be vying for midfield spots alongside experienced players such as Apuia, Anirudh Thapa, and Sahal Abdul Samad. "Competition is good. If there’s no competition, it’s never easy to get any spot," Nickson noted, adding that he aims to learn from them while playing his own game.
Preparation for the three-match stretch will begin with a national camp starting September 14 in Bengaluru, where Nickson and the rest of the squad will work to impress Jamil and earn their places in the starting lineup.
