Which ISL clubs will feature in Durand Cup 2026?
Both the Kolkata giants are drawn in the same group
The 135th edition of the Durand Cup is set to begin on July 25th in Kolkata. The oldest football tournament of the country will run for a month across five cities, including Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong, and Guwahati.
Five Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have confirmed their participation in the iconic football tournament. Defending champions NorthEast United FC, Kolkata giants East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Jamshedpur FC, and SC Delhi will take part this year.
As the 2026-27 season is just around the corner with the Durand Cup, the anticipation is buzzing high.
Let’s take a look at the ISL teams that are going to feature in the century-old football tournament.
NorthEast United FC
The defending champions and the back-to-back Durand Cup winners, NorthEast United FC, will aim to etch their names in the history books by recording the three-peat.
Over the last few years, the Highlanders have established themselves as one of the most promising teams under the guidance of Juan Pedro Benali. The Highlanders have already secured the signings of Abdul Rabeeh and young center-back Pramveer Singh.
With the experienced Spaniard at the helm, NorthEast United FC will once again look to prove themselves in the Durand Cup.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Durand Cup will mark their first assessment under the new head coach. Following the departure of Sergio Lobera, the Mariners are set to make some tough decisions in team building ahead of the new season.
The Mariners won the title in 2023 and finished as the runners-up in 2024. With a more balanced side this time with various acquisitions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have boasted a more powerful squad and is one of the major contenders for the title.
East Bengal FC
The defending ISL champions will begin their 2026-27 season with the Durand Cup. With Antonio Lopez Habas set to mark his return in Kolkata with the Red and Gold Brigade, the expectation is sky-high among the followers.
The Kolkata giants will aim to carry forward the momentum to kick off the season on a positive note. East Bengal FC remain very much active in the transfer market.
Jamshedpur FC
Jamshedpur FC have often shown they can compete with the best when their system functions effectively. Under Owen Coyle’s guidance, the Men of Steel have delivered; the Men of Steel have produced spirited performances in the ISL 2025-26 season.
The Durand Cup presents another challenge to rediscover their consistency ahead of the ISL campaign. The forthcoming tournament will offer meaningful playing time for the former ISL Shield winner to assess themselves ahead of the new ISL season.
SC Delhi
SC Delhi comes next and is the last ISL club to feature in the 135th edition of the Durand Cup. They are set to mark their debut in the iconic tournament.
They have recorded a promising outing in the first-ever ISL season and will look to find their feet in Indian football folklore. SC Delhi would like to make a strong impression on their very first appearance in the iconic Durand Cup.
When will the 135th Durand Cup begin?
The 135th Durand Cup will begin on July 25th.
How many ISL teams are participating in the Durand Cup 2026?
Five ISL teams are participating in the Durand Cup 2026.
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Shibashis is a sports journalist with over three years of experience covering Indian football. His work spans reporting, writing, and editing, with a strong focus on telling stories from across the Indian football landscape. Passionate about both Indian and European football, he continues to build his career by combining sharp reporting with a deep love for the game.