Durand Cup ‘2026: Both Kolkata giants in same group again

The ‘2026 Durand Cup will kick-off with the Kolkata Derby as 17 times (highest) champions Mohun Bagan SG takes on East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata on July 25, Saturday.

The 135th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament will see the participation of 24 teams divided into six groups playing across Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong and Guwahati from July 25 to August 23. After the group-stage, the six group toppers and two best runners-up will qualify for the quarterfinals. The matches will be broadcasted on Sony Liv.

Now, let’s look at the full fixtures.

 

Updates from AIFF

How much it would help Indian football develop, God Knows. All India Football Federation or AIFF has taken initiative to rename itself as FFB or Bharat Football Federation. India would be then sporting as ‘Bharat’ in the international circuit. The process is on. It’s still in the proposal and approval-seeking phase.

Furthermore, Mr. Chaubey and his colleagues have passed a new resolution requiring both the national anthem (‘Jana Gana Mana’) and the national song (‘Vande Mataram’) to be played before all official matches under their aegis.

By the way, AIFF has already proposed an annual football calendar for the top-tier Indian teams. ISL, Durand and Fed Cup will remain as the major tourneys. More updates are likely to come soon about PIO/ OCI footballers for the ISL clubs.