IFA Shield 2026: Updated group standings after NorthEast United FC vs Sreenidi Deccan FC match

The Highlanders secure the semi-final spot with their opening win

NorthEast United FC, the two-time Durand Cup-holding side, just edged past Sreenidi Deccan FC with a very dominant attacking display, by a scoreline of 3-0 and became the club to secure the IFA Shield 2026 semi-final tickets along with Mohun Bagan. After the game, Sreenidi Deccan FC, the southern side, have been opted out of the prestigious tournament following the two back-to-back defeats.

For the Highlanders, Jithin MS broke the deadlock at the 6th minute of the game when Asheer’s pinpoint long ball on the wing, a smooth through ball by Alaaeddine, found the NorthEast’s long-serving forward who slotted the ball calmly to give the lead to his side. The substitute Danny Meitei received a good ball in the D-box, and then a well-placed shot bagged the second goal, with their Moroccan foreign striker Alaeddine Ajaraie scoring the third goal in the 60th minute.

As the Indian Football Association (IFA) has changed its schedule due to bad weather conditions in Kolkata and the coastal areas, and the governing body has shifted the kickoff time for all upcoming Shield games from 15:00 IST to 14:30 IST, the remaining games until the final clash will commence at the highlighted time.

After a revised fixture is taking shape on 27th September 2026, the ISL side Punjab FC, who built their team ahead of the 2026-27 season with some great recruitment, will take on the Calcutta Football League’s side Calcutta Customs FC, who fought hard against the Red & Gold but were ultimately overpowered by them.

Group A

Teams in Group A

• Mohun Bagan
• NorthEast United FC
• Sreenidi Deccan FC

From Group A itself, all the teams have played one game, while Sreenidi Deccan FC contested both their group games and packed their bags after their elimination from the IFA Shield 2026 by Northeast United FC. After failing to win their second consecutive game in the prestigious tournament, Antonio Rueda’s side bowed out of the competition as Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC have qualified for the semi-finals, which will take place on 4th September, 2026.

The last group game is still there, as Mohun Bagan will host the Highlanders at home in the Mohun Bagan Ground on 29th September, 2026 at 14:30 IST, as both sides will meet after the Durand Cup 2026, where the Mariners defeated Pedro Benali’s side.

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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