IFA Shield 2026: Updated group standings after East Bengal vs Calcutta Customs match

Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal FC secure their opening win.

A great new season of the IFA Shield has arrived with style, as the two Kolkata giants, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal FC, have already started their campaigns with by registering a win in their opening games of the tournament.

The Mariners managed to beat IFL side Sreenidi Deccan FC at home by a six-goal margin and, on the other hand, just a day after the game, their arch-rivals East Bengal FC secured a commanding victory over Calcutta Customs FC by 3-1.

East Bengal FC secured the first victory in the IFA Shield 2026 at the East Bengal Ground against a stern Calcutta Customs FC. The team edged past Biswajit Bhattacharya’s side following a good comeback relying on Rohit Kumar, Rohit Danu and a last-minute goal, courtesy of Akash Hemram’s strike.

In the first half, Customs winger Riki Gharami made some good link up play with their new foreign recruit, but that didn’t show that much promise as Narender Gahlot and Monotosh Chakladar were very aware of their playing styles. In the 11th minute of the game, Riki found possession from a loose ball & somehow managed to score the first goal using his fully stretched body in an attempt to make a tackle against Gourab Shaw, who was unable to judge the ball properly.

Then the Torchbearers turned the tide in their favor as, Rohit Kumar first equalised the game with a thumping header from a corner kick in the first half. East Bengal only got the win due to Rohit Danu scoring from a cross and Akash Hemram scoring the final goal to clinch all three points from the IFA Shield tie.

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan won the first game in this tournament against Sreenidi Deccan FC with a massive 6-0 scoreline, which showcased the attacking firepower of the squad. With the win, the Mariners currently sit top of Group A.

Group A

Teams in Group A

• Mohun Bagan
• NorthEast United FC
• Sreenidi Deccan FC

There have been just two games in the IFA Shield 2026; from Group A, Kolkata outfit Mohun Bagan currently possess the top spot in the points table with 3 points and a very positive GD. With their defeat, Sreenidi Deccan FC currently occupy the bottom of the points table.

As the tournament approaches its next game on 26th September, the Highlanders will face the Sreenidi side. The match will mark the last group game for the IFL side Sreenidi Deccan. The team will enter into the match with hopes to clinch the win against the NorthEast team, as any other result may lead to them being knockout in the group stage.

Group B

Teams in Group B

• East Bengal FC
• Calcutta Customs FC
• Punjab FC

Talking about Group B, the only game that has taken place in this group, is the fixture between East Bengal FC & Calcutta Customs FC. In the match, the Red & Gold Brigade thrashed the CFL side 3-1 with a comeback started by Rohit Kumar, who shone in the game with an equalizer. The goals scored by Rohit Danu and Akash Hemram sealed the game for Bino George’s side.

On 27th September, ISL side Punjab FC will kickstart their IFA Shield debut campaign against Calcutta Customs. During the game, Customs seek a complete win, as any alternative may result in their them being out of the competition, consdering, only the top two teams will secure their qualification berth in the knockouts.

IFA Shield 2026 Groups & Fixtures

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