Which teams qualified for IFA Shield 2026 semi-finals?
Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Punjab FC & NorthEast United have secured the qualification
Two group stage games are still to be played in the Indian Association Shield (IFA Shield) 2026, but we have already determined the four semi-finalists who have cleared their path and booked their knockout tickets to the prestigious tournament.
And what’s more interesting is that Group A and Group B will witness the four qualified sides face each other in the group fixtures when Mohun Bagan takes on NorthEast United FC on 29th September, while Punjab FC gears up for the East Bengal FC test on 30th September 2026.
Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC have secured their qualification for the IFA Shield 2026 semi-finals after they both won their first game, and the IFL side Sreenidi Deccan FC failed to deliver a single win, which led to their side being knocked out of the tournament. From Group B, Punjab FC and East Bengal FC are the sides ready to feature in the knockout stage following the elimination of CFL outfit Calcutta Customs FC.
The top four clubs will fight for the crown
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A rich history and legacy have always been honoured by the prestigious tournament since its inception in 1893, a proper British authority-based football tournament in India during the pre-independence era, dominated by the British Government, which has slowly become a stepping stone for many Indian sides to prove their worth. Mohun Bagan was the first all Indian side to lift the crown in 1911 against the East Yorkshire Regiment, playing barefoot, as the game played a significant part in India’s revolution.
Fast-forwarding to the 126th edition of the IFA Shield, which returned to the pitch in 2025 with an emotional statement, Mohun Bagan lifted the crown, beating East Bengal FC on a dramatic penalty shootout. Now, as the current season is taking shape, all six clubs have mostly played their group stage games, and four clubs have already secured their berth in the IFA Shield 2026 semi-finals.
East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United FC and Punjab FC are the four sides to qualify for the knockout stages as Sreenidi Deccan FC and Calcutta Customs FC bowed out of the competition after losing both their group stage games against their respective group opponents.
In the first game of Group A, Mohun Bagan Ground saw a six-goal show when the Mariners edged past Sreendidi Deccan FC, scoring not one, not twice, but six times, as the Green & Marron Brigade will now face NorthEast United FC on 29th September,2026. On the other hand, Northeast United FC also overpowered the IFL side, and that loss led their team through to elimination from the competition as the Highlanders and Mohun Bagan secured their qualification.
From Group B, East Bengal FC started their journey with a comeback win against Calcutta Customs FC, and then Punjab FC also geared up and scored seven goals against the CFL side who replaced Mohammedan SC in this competition after they withdrew their name from the tournament. And the Red & Gold Brigade and The Shers are the two clubs from the respective group to book their seat.
When & where to watch IFA Shield 2026 Live?
The IFA Shield 2026 will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
Fans can watch their teams play in the IFA Shield from the comfort of their homes on FanCode.
Which teams have qualified for the IFA Shield 2026 semi-finals?
Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United FC, East Bengal FC and Punjab FC have qualified for the IFA Shield 2026 semi-finals.
Which teams have been eliminated from the IFA Shield 2026?
Sreenidi Deccan FC and Calcutta Customs FC have been eliminated from the competition after losing their respective group-stage matches.
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