Santosh Trophy 2025-26: Semifinal Fixtures set after Quarterfinal drama
Kerala take on Punjab while Railways face Services in the Santosh Trophy semis.
The most-awaited Santosh Trophy 2025-26 fixtures have been decided. The top four teams have reached the crucial semi-final stage after the dramatic quarter-final. Kerala, Punjab, Railways and Services booked their spot for the 79th Santosh Trophy. All four semi-final matches will take place at the Silapathar and Dhakuakhana football stadiums in Assam. Both matches will kick off at 1:30 PM IST and will be streamed live on FIFA+.
Which teams will feature in the Santosh Trophy semifinals?
The semi-finals will see Kerala face Punjab and Services face Railways for the final place.
Kerala secured a commanding 3-0 win over hosts Assam at the Silapathar Football Stadium to progress. Goals from Manoj M, Muhammad Ajsal and Aboobacker Dilshad set the tone for the last 4 spots. Assam pushed hard after the break, but Kerala’s defence, led by goalkeeper Hajmal S, remained solid throughout.
Kerala will meet Punjab, who edged past Tamil Nadu in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time. Jatinder Singh Rana had put Punjab ahead, while M. Umashankar equalised from the spot, before Punjab held their nerve in the shootout.
The other semi-final will feature Services against Railways, following two contrasting quarter-final victories. After the win against defending champions West Bengal in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, they secured their spot.
Services knocked out defending champions West Bengal after a tense goalless 120 minutes, winning 3-2 on penalties at the Dhakuakhana Football Stadium. The Bengal boys failed to live up to expectations as they were eliminated at the quarterfinal stage of the competition. A disciplined defensive display kept Bengal at bay, and substitute goalkeeper Muhammed Shanoos PP made the decisive save in the shootout to send Services into the semi-finals. While Railways advanced through a strong all-round display against Rajasthan, winning 2-0, breaking the deadlock late in the match. Saurabh Bhanwala scored in the 78th minute before Johnson Joseph Mathews sealed the result five minutes later.
Santosh Trophy 2025-26 semifinal fixtures
| Date | Team 1 | Team 2 | Match Time | Venue |
| 5th February | Kerala | Punjab | 1.30 PM | Dhakuakhana |
| 5th February | Services | Railways | 1.30 PM | Silapathar Football Stadium |
Where to watch?
The Santosh Trophy 2025-26 semifinal matches will be live-streamed on FIFA+, allowing fans across the country to follow the action as it unfolds.
The upcoming semi-finals promise high-intensity football as the four teams battle for a place for the final. The final will take place on 8th February, 2026.
Which teams have qualified for the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 semifinals?
Kerala, Punjab, Services and Railways have sealed their places in the semifinals after navigating tense and high-pressure quarterfinal encounters
When will the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 semifinal matches be played?
Both semifinal fixtures are scheduled for 5 February 2026, with kickoff set at 1:30 PM IST for each match.
Where can fans watch the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 semifinals live?
Both semifinal matches will be live-streamed on FIFA+, giving fans across India and beyond free access to the action
When is the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 final scheduled?
The final of the 79th Santosh Trophy is set to be played on 8 February 2026, where the two semifinal winners will battle for the prestigious national title.
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.
Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.