NorthEast United FC's record in Durand Cup quarterfinals over years
NorthEast United FC have won Durand Cup twice.
NorthEast United FC are taking on Shillong Lajong FC in a Northeastern Derby in the fourth quarterfinal of Durand Cup 2026 on 17th August, Monday 2026. The high-stake knockout fixture will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium in Shillong with huge crowd expected to come and watch the game featuring two Northeastern sides with kick off scheduled for 7:00 pm IST.
NorthEast United FC have been one of the best sides in Durand Cup in the last couple of years and have won the tournament twice consecutively in 2024 and 2025. The Highlanders led by head Juan Pedro Benali have the chance to lift the title once more and complete a three peat which will solidify their dominance in the Durand Cup.
However, for that, the Highlanders will first need to win this crucial quarterfinal clash against Shillong Lajong. But this is not the first time that NorthEast will be featuring in a knockout game in Durand Cup.
In this article we take a look at the record of NorthEast United FC in Durand Cup quarterfinals over the years.
A close call in 2023
The first time Highlanders made it to the quarterfinals was during the year 2023 in the 132nd edition of the Durand Cup. NorthEast United FC took on the Indian Army FT in the quarterfinal of Durand Cup 2023 which was played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium (IGAS), Guwahati on August 24th, 2023.
The match evenly contested for most part of the game and the Highlanders were facing a difficult time opening up Indian Army FT. The first half ended 0-0, however, the changes made in the second half for NorthEast United FC made the difference as Nestor’s exquisite cross-field delivery into the box picked out Manvir Singh, who nodded the ball into the path of Phalguni Singh who gave them a lead.
The game ended in favour of NorthEast United FC 1-0, as they moved on to face East Bengal FC in the semifinal but were knocked out on penalties against East Bengal.
The domination begins in 2024
This was the second time the Highlanders made it to the quarterfinal of Durand Cup after having played once in the previous edition. However, the opponent for the quarterfinal in 2024 were the same, Indian Army FT were once again standing in front of NorthEast United FC in the quarterfinal. This quarterfinal was played at the SAI Stadium, Kokrajhar on 21st August 2024.
Even this match went 0-0 at the break, with Nestor scoring the first goal in the 52nd minute followed by a goal from Guillermo at the 73rd minute to seal the match and confirm a comfortable victory. This was the same year when the Highlanders went on to lift the Durand Cup title, making it the first silverware in the club’s history after defeating Mohun Bagan SG in the final.
A comfortable task in 2025
2025 was the year when NorthEast United FC entered the Durand Cup as defending champions and played like one as they managed to lift the title once more in 2025. The opponent for the quarterfinal in the 134th edition of Durand Cup were Bodoland FC. This Northeastern Derby was played on August 16, 2025, at the SAI Stadium, Kokrajhar.
This was a complete domination as the Highlanders stormed into the semifinals of the Durand Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bodoland FC. NorthEast United’s main man Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a brace with one goal each from Andy and Parthib Gogoi as well.
NorthEast United’s quarterfinal record in Durand Cup
| Year | Opponent | Scoreline | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Indian Army FT | 1-0 | Won |
| 2024 | Indian Army FT | 2-0 | Won |
| 2025 | Bodoland FC | 4-0 | Won |
How many times have NorthEast United FC player in Durand Cup quarterfinals?
NorthEast United FC have played three Durand Cup quarterfinals so far winning all three of them. This year they are playing their fourth quarterfinal in Durand Cup.
Who are the opponent of NorthEast United FC in Durand Cup 2026 quarterfinal?
NorthEast United FC are playing Shillong Lajong FC in the quarterfinal of Durand Cup 2026.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.