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

NorthEast United to begin their Durand Cup title defense against Bodoland FC

NorthEast United FC gear up to begin their Durand Cup title defense against Bodoland FC in a local derby on 1st August, at the IGA Stadium, Guwahati at 4:30 pm IST.

This game is open for all, and every fan can go and watch this match absolutely for free at the IGA Stadium, Guwahati.

It will be high stakes clash as both NorthEastern sides face each other in derby with both teams eyeing a good start to the Durand Cup 2026 campaign.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

For the defending champions, NorthEast United FC, this match holds immense significance as they begin their title defense and eye a three peat of Durand Cup title. The Highlanders have made a major reshuffle in their squad especially the foreigners as they only retained Alaaeddine Ajaraie. However, they have retained the Indian core and also made some important domestic signings as well.

For Juan Pedro Benali this is an opportunity to add one more Durand Cup title to his name and lead the Highlanders to glory once again with all might. In terms of the pre-season as well this match and the tournament is very important as this will give NorthEast United FC a chance to prepare for the ISL 2026-27 and a build a formidable squad to compete for the title.

If the Highlanders manage to get a positive start against Bodoland FC, it will put significant confidence within the squad for the upcoming fixtures.

Bodoland FC

Bodoland FC are no side to be taken lightly as they have been regular participants in the Durand Cup for quite some time now. In the previous editions of the Durand Cup, Bodoland FC have come out as a strong team and have had some memorable campaigns.

The 135th edition of the Durand Cup will be another opportunity for the Bodoland side to prove their mantle on a national level and get some positive results out of it. If Bodoland FC manage to start their campaign with a win or a draw against the ISL side NorthEast United FC, it will give them a major boost moving ahead in the tournament and even make them the favourites from their group to qualify for the next round in Durand Cup.

Team News

NorthEast United are expected to have all of their players training at the moment available for this game. However, there are doubts regarding their latest foreign recruitements participation.

For Bodoland FC, they are expected to field a strong lineup against the Highlanders with all players available for selection for head coach Vikash Panthi.

Head-to-Head Record (All-Time)

Matches played: 2

Won by NorthEast United FC: 2

Won by Bodoland FC: 0

Draw: 0

Predicted Lineups

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

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Asheer Akhtar, Pramveer, Rabeeh, Samte, Macarton, Ashraf, Moyano, Ajaraie, Jithin, Parthib

Bodoland FC (4-3-3)

Gonesh Boro (GK), Nabin Rabha, Frank Nana, Shubham Sarangi, Manabir Basumatary, Rituraj Mohan, Norberto, Halicharan Narzary, Onguene, Robinson Blandon, Nayan Kumar

Players to Watchout

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

Alaaeddine Ajaraie will be the player to watch out from the NorthEast United FC side as he brings back his versatility and goal scoring prowess back to the Highlands.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie can be a major roadblock for Bodoland FC as he can easily open up defenses with his pace and score goals with ease. The Moroccan was the golden boot winner of the Durand Cup last season and led his team to glory, this time he will aim to do a three peat of Durand Cup and show his dominance in Indian football.

However, it will be interesting to see how Alaaeddine Ajaraie performs as he is returning back to Indian football after having spent the last season on loan in the Indonesian league.

Robinson Blandon (Bodoland FC)

Robinson has spent the last couple of seasons in Indian football as has been very good especially for Bodoland FC.

The Colombian centre forward has played 4 Durand Cup games and has scored 2 goals. He has also played the Super Cup and scored 2 goals in 3 apperances.

Robinson’s eye for goal can be a big threat for NorthEast United FC especially since the Highlanders will most likely field an all Indian defense line. If Robinson performs well in this game, he can most certainly take his team over the line to get them a positive result.

Telecast Details

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

The match will kick off at 4:30 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.

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