The Durand Cup 2026, the 135th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament, will be held from 25 July to 23 August 2026 across five Indian cities — Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong, and Guwahati. A total of 24 teams, including seven debutants and two foreign sides, will compete, with the grand final at Kolkata’s iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
🏆 Durand Cup 2026 Overview
- Edition: 135th (established in 1888, Asia’s oldest football tournament).
- Dates: 25 July – 23 August 2026.
- Host Cities: Kolkata, Ranchi (debut), Imphal, Shillong, Guwahati.
- Venues:
- Kolkata: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan & Kishore Bharati Krirangan.
- Ranchi: Birsa Munda Stadium.
- Imphal: Khuman Lampak Stadium.
- Shillong: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
- Guwahati: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.
- Defending Champion: NorthEast United FC.
⚽ Teams & Groups
24 teams divided into 6 groups (A–F):
| Group | Venue | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| A | Kolkata | Mohun Bagan SG, Mohammedan SC, South United FC, CISF |
| B | Kolkata | East Bengal FC, Indian Army, Baghpat FC (debut), Samaleswari Sporting (debut) |
| C | Ranchi | Jamshedpur FC, Sporting Club Delhi, Indian Air Force, Defenders FC (Sri Lanka, debut) |
| D | Imphal | TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, Indian Navy, FC Raengdai (debut) |
| E | Shillong | Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh SS&CC (debut), Langsning FC, Mumbay FC (debut) |
| F | Guwahati | NorthEast United FC, FC1 (J&K & Ladakh), Bodoland FC, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC |
📅 Key Fixtures
- Opening Match: 25 July 2026, Kolkata.
- Quarterfinals: Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong.
- Semifinals: Shillong & Kolkata.
- Final: 23 August 2026, Kolkata (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan).
