IFA Shield 2026: Updated group standings after Punjab FC vs Calcutta Customs FC
Four teams have qualified for the knockouts
A total, ruthless domination by the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, and the clubs made the stance very clear why the ISL is India’s top-tier footballing competition in terms of every possible aspect.
As the days went by, the Indian Football Association announced the IFA Shield 2026, and now, after several games in the group stage, the prestigious tournament witnessed four ISL-playing sides set to hustle in the knockouts, which will be held on 4th October, 2026, as per the fixture revealed by Bengal football’s governing body.
Punjab FC scored seven goals against Calcutta Customs FC to register a very dominant and commendable victory in the IFA Shield 2026 Group B game, which also marked the Sher’s maiden Shield tie in their history; they also secured their qualification for the knockouts along with the Red & Gold side from their respective group. From Group A, Mohun Bagan and Northeast United FC are the sides to book their spot in the semi-finals.
Raphaël Messi Bouli, who joined the Shers from Jamshedpur FC ahead of the new season, scored a classy hat-trick as he opened the scoring in the 5th minute, found his second goal in the 8th minute, and then, when the clock was showing the 44th minute, the former Torchbearer scored his third goal. The other goals were bagged by Alfred Planas Moya, who joined the side from Inter Kashi FC, and also by Sanathoi, Bishu Sharma, and Gurkirat Singh, who sealed the deal for them.
Group A
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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.
Also Read: Which teams qualified for IFA Shield 2026 semi-finals?
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.
| Pos | Team | MP | W | D | L | Goals | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohun Bagan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6:0 | +6 | 3 |
| 2 | North East United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3:0 | +3 | 3 |
| 3 | Sreenidi Deccan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0:9 | –9 | 0 |
Group B
Teams in Group B
- East Bengal FC
- Calcutta Customs FC
- Punjab FC
A great game by Punjab FC in their opening tie in the IFA Shield 2026 as they thrashed the Calcutta Customs FC with a massive 7-0 scoreline under their belt as the win over the Kolkata outfit secured their place in the Shield’s semi-finals along with East Bengal FC. After the back-to-back losses in the Group B fixtures, Calcutta Customs FC put an end to their campaign after they replaced Mohammedan SC in this competition.
Just one game remains in the fixture for Group B, where the ISL 2025-26 and Durand Cup 2026 champions will lock horns against the Punjab FC, who just made their debut in the IFA Shield, as the game is scheduled to kick off on 30th September 2026 at 14:30 IST at the East Bengal FC Ground.
| Pos | Team | MP | W | D | L | GD | GLS | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punjab | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +7 | 7:0 | 3 |
| 2 | East Bengal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3:1 | 3 |
| 3 | Mohammedan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0:0 | 0 |
IFA Shield 2026 Groups & Fixtures
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Mohun Bagan SG | East Bengal FC |
| Sreenidi Deccan FC | Calcutta Customs Club |
| NorthEast United FC | Punjab FC |
| Date | Team A | Team B | Round | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Sep 2026 | NorthEast United FC | Mohun Bagan SG | 3 | Mohun Bagan AC/CFC | 2:30 pm |
| Date | Team A | Team B | Round | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Sep 2026 | Punjab FC | East Bengal FC | 3 | East Bengal FC/Aryan | 2:30 pm |
| Date | Stage | Team A | Team B | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Oct 2026 | Semi-final 1 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 4 Oct 2026 | Semi-final 2 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| TBD | Final | Winner SF1 | Winner SF2 | TBD | TBD |
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