Santosh Trophy 2025-26: Final Group Standings
Santosh Trophy Group Stage concludes as Quarterfinalists emerge
The group stage of the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 Final Round came to an exciting conclusion, delivering competitive football, tight margins, and strong performances across both groups. With each team playing five matches, consistency and discipline proved crucial as the race for the quarter-final spots intensified.
Established contenders and determined challengers battled it out, and by the end of the league phase, the top four teams from each group booked their places in the Santosh Trophy knockout rounds.
Teams that qualified for the next round of Santosh Trophy
From Group A, West Bengal emerged as the standout side, finishing the group stage unbeaten and underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites. Their balanced approach, marked by sharp attacking movements and a well-organized defense, allowed them to remain consistent across all five matches.
Tamil Nadu stayed close on their heels throughout the group phase, combining attacking intent with tactical discipline to secure second place. Rajasthan showed resilience and character to claim the third qualification spot, while Assam’s ability to grind out results in crucial moments proved decisive in a fiercely contested battle for the remaining Santosh Trophy quarterfinal berth.
In Group B, Kerala set the pace with a series of composed and controlled performances, using their experience and depth to finish on top of the standings. Railways impressed with their defensive stability and ability to turn matches into draws when under pressure, earning valuable points along the way. Punjab’s timely victories and attacking contributions ensured they stayed in the qualification mix and ultimately progressed.
Services clinched the final quarterfinal spot after edging past Meghalaya on goal difference, bringing the group stage to a dramatic close and highlighting the fine margins that defined an intense and competitive league phase.
Final Group Standings
Group A
| Team | Played | Won | Draw | Lost | G.D | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Bengal (Q) | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | +6 | 11 |
| Tamil Nadu (Q) | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | +4 | 10 |
| Rajasthan (Q) | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 7 |
| Assam (Q) | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 6 |
| Nagaland | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 4 |
| Uttarakhand | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | -8 | 2 |
Group B
| Team | Played | Won | Draw | Lost | G.D | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerala (Q) | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | +5 | 10 |
| Railways (Q) | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | +2 | 7 |
| Punjab (Q) | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Services (Q) | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Meghalaya | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | -2 | 6 |
| Odisha | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | -5 | 2 |
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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.