NorthEast United FC vs FC 1 Preview - Team news, lineups | Durand Cup 2026

NorthEast United FC aim a dominant end to Durand Cup 2026 group stage.

NorthEast United FC are all set to take on FC 1 in their last group stage match of the Durand Cup 2026 with the Highlanders already qualified for the playoffs. The defending champions have so far scored 10 goals in two matches and have been in sublime form under Juan Pedro Benali. The match will kick off at 4 pm IST at the IGA Stadium, Guwahati with entry open for all.

The FC 1 side will also look to get the best out of this match with them currently sitting on third spot in Group F with playoffs qualification hope looking very slim. However, a tough match is expected with both the teams aiming to end their group stage on a positive note.

In this article, we take a look at the preview of the Group F match between NorthEast United FC and FC 1.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

For NorthEast United FC, the stakes are not very high as they are already sitting on top of the Group F with 2 wins in 2 games. However, that does not mean that this fixture is of no importance to the defending champions.

The Highlanders will see this as a game where they can try their best XI and give them a good chance to blend in together and get ready for the playoff round.

With Ethyan and Eneko making their debut in the last game, it is an opportunity for them to get more gametime and create a good chemistry with the entire team ahead of the crucial and tough playoffs. Nikola can also be handed over his debut as this match can help him settle in with the team nicely on a good pace ahead of the playoffs.

However, having said that, it does not mean that we may not get to see youngsters in this game. We have already seen Juan Pedro Benali testing youngsters and various combinations in the tournament already.

A solid high scoring dominant win could surely boost their confidence and help them prepare for the playoffs.

FC 1

With the qualification hopes looking thin, FC 1 will look to get the most out of this game. Playing against a team which plays in the top tier of the country can add valuable exposure to their side. Not to forget that NorthEast United FC have won the Durand Cup consecutively in the last two editions and any positive result can be huge boost to FC 1’s confidence.

Tournaments like the Durand Cup are a perfect chance for various Indian football clubs from various divisions to compete together and get the taste of quality and higher level of football. This game similarly can help FC 1 a lot in terms of experience and exposure.

Team News

NorthEast United are expected to have all of their players training at the moment available for this game.The latest foreign recruits are also expected to get the much-needed game time.

For FC 1, they are expected to field a strong lineup against the Highlanders with all players available for selection.

Head-to-Head Record (All-Time)

This is the first time that the Highlanders will play FC 1 in a professional football match.

Predicted Lineups

NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Asheer Akhtar, Eneko, Rabeeh, Samte, Macarton, Ashraf, Moyano, Ajaraie, Ethyan, Parthib.

FC 1 (4-3-3)

Aftab (GK), Abdul, Tetty, Ikhlaq, Salman, Farhan, Mousa, Huzafah, Aafreen, Hayat, Shakir

Players to Watchout

Ethyan Gonzalez (NorthEast United FC)

The Highlanders have a new number 9 who looked absolutely wonderful on his debut against Karbi Anglong Morning Stars in the last game. Ethyan Gonzalez made a terrific debut for NorthEast United FC as he came on the pitch in the second half in the last match.

Ethyan was full dominating the opponent’s penalty box and looked wonderful with his ball control and shooting accuracy, with a profile very similar to Argentine superstar Lautaro Martinez.

The Spaniard scored a wonderfully worked counter attacking goal on his debut and will be a key for NorthEast United FC and FC 1 will need to be very aware of his threat as any time he gets on the pitch, he will be lethal in front of the goal.

Hayat Bashir (FC 1)

FC 1’s number 11 Hayat Bashir who plays in the left wing will be very important for them as they gear up for a challenge against NorthEast United FC. The winger scored a goal against Karbi Anglong Morning Stars where his side managed to register a 2-1 win.

Having previously played for Real Kashmir in IFL, the winger brings the much-needed Indian football exposure to the squad and will be key for them. His decisiveness and ability to take on players will be a challenge for NorthEast United FC as we have seen that the Highlanders have made mistakes defensively in the tournament so far.

Telecast Details

The Durand Cup 2026 clash between NorthEast United FC and FC 1 will take place at the IGA Stadium, Guwahati on Tuesday, 11th August (2026).

The match will kick off at 4:00 PM IST and there is a free entry allowed for fans in the stadium. The match will be livestreamed on Sony LIV and will be broadcasted live on Sony Ten 2.

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.