Durand Cup 2026: Take a look at the six groups of Durand

East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will face each other in a Group A clash

The 135th edition of the Durand Cup is set to begin on 25th July with a new legacy in making. This is the most decorated and oldest football competition in Asia, which was started in 1888. From East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and also many other teams across the globe have played in this tournament.

The first match will begin in Kolkata on 25th July, and the final game will also be here. Along with these stadiums in this edition of the Durand Cup, Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Stadium is set to host the prestigious tournament for the first time ever.

As the date is coming close, the stakes are high, and the group stage has been revealed officially. As East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are in the same group with South United and CISF Protectors, the Durand Cup sees a Kolkata Derby in the group stage.

Now, just take a look at the six groups of the Durand Cup 2026.

This is how the groups for the upcoming Durand Cup looks like with only five ISL clubs set to participate this time. East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG have been drawn in Group A, setting up a Kolkata Derby, while defending champions NorthEast United FC have been placed in Group… pic.twitter.com/NKMNmW42l2

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) July 2, 2026

24 teams are divided into six respective groups

A record number of 24 teams are set to battle it all out against each other in the Durand Cup 2026 for the trophy. As a total of five ISL teams will be representing the league. With East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur FC, there is Mohammedan SC, who just faced relegation in the last season, looking to turn their tables along with the newcomers Sporting Club Delhi.

Group A is the most exciting group of the whole competition, as the two biggest clubs in Indian football will face each other in the group stage. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan SG will lock horns as they might look for another trophy in their cabinet with new recruitments ahead of the season. Along with them, CISF Protectors and South United FC might get a chance to showcase their potential.

The ISL relegation side, Mohammedan SC, looks to turn its fortune with new energy, as they are in Group B along with Baghpat (Banaras) FC, Indian Navy FT and Samaleswari Sporting. Kishore Bharati Krirangan could host the matches of Group B as it is the home venue of the Black Panthers.

Two main ISL clubs with immense potential, Jamshedpur FC and Sporting Club Delhi, will face Sri Lankan side Defenders FC for the first time, as they are the debutants. Indian Air Force FT will also be there to taste a tough competition in Group C.

Also Read: Which ISL clubs will feature in Durand Cup 2026?

At Imphal, the matches of Group D might take place as FC Raengdai, Indian Navy FT, Neroca FC and TRAU FC will participate here. A decorated side like Neroca FC has the potential chance to top the group with their experience, and TRAU can also impress the audience.

Group E will see Langsning FC, Shillong Lajong FC, Mumbay FC and Nongkseh SS & CC to fight for the trophy. And Bodoland, FC1, NorthEast United FC and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC look to put up a good fight in the last Group F. The defending champions NorthEast United FC might look for another title as it will be their hattrick of Durand Cup.

Durand Cup 2026 Groups

Group A

• East Bengal FC
• Mohun Bagan SG
• South United FC
• CISF Protectors

Group B

• Mohammedan SC
• Baghpat (Banaras) FC
• Indian Navy FT
• Indian Air Force FT

Group C

• Jamshedpur FC
• Sporting Club Delhi
• Defenders FC
• Indian Air Force FT

Group D

• FC Raengdai
• Neroca FC
• TRAU FC
• Indian Navy FT

Group E

• Langsning FC
• Shillong Lajong FC
• Mumbay FC
• Nongkseh SS & CC

Group F

• Bodoland FC
• FC1
• NorthEast United FC
• Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.