Durand Cup 2026 fixtures revealed as Kolkata Derby opens historic 135th edition

The schedule for the 2026 Durand Cup has been unveiled, with Indian football’s biggest rivalry set to launch the tournament. Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face arch-rivals East Bengal FC in the opening match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on July 25.

Celebrating its 135th edition, the Durand Cup—the oldest football tournament in Asia—will run from July 25 to August 23. A total of 24 teams will compete across five host cities: Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong and Guwahati.

Group stage line-up

Group A features two of India’s most decorated clubs, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, alongside South United FC and CISF Protectors. Mohun Bagan enters the competition as the record 17-time champion, while East Bengal has lifted the trophy 16 times.

Kolkata will also host Group B, where Mohammedan SC will battle Indian Army Football Team, debutants Baghpat FC and Samaleswari Sporting for a place in the knockout rounds.

Ranchi joins the tournament as a host city for the first time and will stage Group C. The group includes Jamshedpur FC, Sporting Club Delhi, Indian Air Force Football Team and Sri Lanka’s Defenders FC.

Group D, to be played in Imphal, consists of TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, FC Raengdai and Indian Navy Football Team.

Shillong will host Group E, featuring home side Shillong Lajong FC, Langsning FC, Nongkseh SS&CC and tournament newcomer Mumbay FC.

Defending champions NorthEast United FC headline Group F in Guwahati as they target a third successive Durand Cup title. They will compete against Bodoland FC, FC1 and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC.

Knockout schedule

The winners of each of the six groups, along with the two best second-placed teams, will progress to the quarterfinals, which begin on August 16. The semifinals are scheduled for August 19 and 20, before the tournament concludes with the final in Kolkata on August 23.