Durand Cup 2026: Everything you need to know as Kolkata Derby kicks off the new season
The 135th Durand Cup begins on Saturday, July 25, and Indian football’s biggest rivalry takes center stage as East Bengal FC take on 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 kick off another edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament where 24 teams will compete for one of the most prestigious Indian football trophies.
DURAND CUP 2026: FULL DETAILS
A total of 24 teams were divided into six groups of four teams each. The competition features top Indian Super League clubs, I-League sides, service 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, qualify for a knockout stage comprising quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.
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): Raengdai FC, Indian Navy FT, Neroca FC, Trau FC
- Group E (Shillong): Langsning FC, Mumbai 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 is 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 have played in 12 Durand Cup finals.
WHEN IS EAST BENGAL VS MOHUN BAGAN?
- Date: Saturday, July 25
- Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
- Kick-off: According to the official schedule of the match
WHERE TO WATCH DURAND CUP 2026?
The 135th edition of the Durand Cup will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD.
WHERE TO LIVESTREAM DURAND CUP 2026?
Fans can stream all matches live on the Sony LIV app and website.
With 24 teams, six host cities and the Kolkata derby serving as a curtain-raiser, the 135th Durand Cup promises to be an exciting start to the Indian football season as clubs battle it out for one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious trophies.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
24 Jul 2026 21:44 IST