Durand Cup 2026: All you need to know as Kolkata Derby kicks off new season
The 135th Durand Cup gets underway on Saturday, July 25, with Indian football’s biggest rivalry taking centre stage as East Bengal FC face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the opening match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
The Kolkata Derby will not only kick off the new domestic season but also begin another edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament, with 24 teams competing for one of Indian football’s most prestigious trophies.
DURAND CUP 2026: FULL DETAILS
A total of 24 teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. The competition features leading Indian Super League clubs, I-League sides, services teams, regional clubs and one overseas team, Defenders FC of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
The group winners, along with the two best second-placed teams, will qualify for the knockout stage comprising the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
Groups
- Group A (Kolkata): CISF Protectors, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, South United FC
- Group B (Kolkata): Baghpat FC, Indian Army FT, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Samaleswari Sporting
- Group C (Ranchi): Indian Air Force FT, Jamshedpur FC, SC Delhi, Defenders FC (Sri Lanka)
- Group D (Imphal): FC Raengdai, Indian Navy FT, Neroca FC, Trau FC
- Group E (Shillong): Langsning FC, Mumbay FC, Nongkseh FC & CC, Shillong Lajong FC
- Group F (Guwahati): Bodoland FC, FC1, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, NorthEast United FC
The tournament begins with the iconic Kolkata Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Mohun Bagan are the most successful club in Durand Cup history with 17 titles, while East Bengal are close behind with 16 trophies. The rivals have met more than 20 times in the competition and contested 12 Durand Cup finals.
WHEN IS EAST BENGAL VS MOHUN BAGAN?
- Date: Saturday, July 25
- Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
- Kick-off: As per the official match schedule
WHERE TO WATCH DURAND CUP 2026?
The 135th Durand Cup will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD.
WHERE TO LIVESTREAM DURAND CUP 2026?
Fans can stream all the matches live on the Sony LIV app and website.
With 24 teams, six host cities and the Kolkata Derby serving as the curtain-raiser, the 135th Durand Cup promises an exciting start to the Indian football season as clubs battle for one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious trophies.
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