Durand Cup 2026: Five Cities, Fresh Faces and Familiar Giants Set the Stage for Historic 135th Edition

by FC July 1, 2026

The road to another chapter of India’s oldest football tournament is officially underway.

The organisers of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup have confirmed the 24-team lineup and host city schedule, setting the stage for a month-long festival of football that will span five cities from July 25 to August 23.

Beginning in Kolkata before moving through Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong and Guwahati, this year’s competition blends established powerhouses, rising domestic clubs, Services teams and international representation, reflecting the tournament’s evolving identity while staying rooted in its rich tradition.

Kolkata remains the heartbeat

As it has since 2019, Kolkata will once again serve as the tournament’s main hub. The city will host the opening fixture, two league groups, two quarter-finals, a semi-final and the championship match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on August 23. Kishore Bharati Krirangan will also share hosting duties during the league phase.

The football capital welcomes familiar heavyweights with record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant and 16-time winners East Bengal FC leading the lineup. Mohammedan SC also returns, ensuring the city’s traditional trio will once again command significant attention.

Joining them are CISF Football Team, Indian Army Football Team, South United FC, and two ambitious newcomers—Baghpat FC, fresh from winning the I-League 3 title and earning promotion, alongside Odisha-based Samaleswari Sporting, another emerging force eager to test itself on one of Indian football’s biggest stages.

Ranchi joins the Durand map

For the first time in the tournament’s long history, Ranchi will host Durand Cup fixtures, marking another step in the competition’s geographical expansion.

The Birsa Munda Stadium will stage league matches before hosting one of the quarter-finals. Home-state interest will centre around Jamshedpur FC, while Sporting Club Delhi, Indian Air Force Football Team and Sri Lankan Armed Forces outfit Defenders FC complete the group.

The inclusion of Defenders FC also extends the tournament’s tradition of welcoming overseas military teams, adding an international flavour to the competition.

Football returns to Manipur

Imphal continues to hold its place on the Durand Cup calendar, reaffirming Manipur’s status as one of India’s strongest footballing regions.

Khuman Lampak Stadium will host league fixtures and a quarter-final, with local clubs TRAU FC and NEROCA FC carrying home hopes. They will be joined by Indian Navy Football Team and FC Raengdai, who impressed with a runners-up finish in last season’s I-League 3 and now prepare for their maiden Durand campaign.

Shillong strengthens its football identity

After a successful debut as host last year, Shillong receives an expanded role, including one of the tournament’s semi-finals.

The Meghalaya capital will showcase the depth of local football with Shillong Lajong FC, Langsning FC and Meghalaya Premier League champions Nongkseh Sports, Social & Cultural Club all featuring before home supporters.

The local contingent will be complemented by debutants Mumbay FC, creating a mix of established regional names and ambitious newcomers in one of India’s most football-passionate venues.

Guwahati hosts defending champions

The final league venue will be Guwahati, where reigning back-to-back champions NorthEast United FC begin their quest for a third consecutive Durand Cup title.

The Highlanders headline a group that also features FC1, Bodoland FC and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, ensuring strong representation from the Northeast throughout the tournament.

Seven debutants headline changing landscape

While India’s traditional clubs continue to dominate the headlines, the 135th edition also reflects the widening reach of Indian football.

Seven teams will make their Durand Cup debuts, including Defenders FC from Sri Lanka, Nongkseh SS&CC, FC Raengdai, Mumbay FC, Baghpat FC and Samaleswari Sporting. Their inclusion underlines the tournament’s growing role as a platform for emerging clubs seeking national recognition.

Knockout roadmap confirmed

The knockout rounds will be spread across three host cities.

Kolkata will host two quarter-finals, a semi-final and the final, while Ranchi and Shillong will each stage a quarter-final. Shillong will also host the second semi-final before the competition returns to Kolkata for the title clash on August 23.

As the countdown enters its final weeks, the 135th Durand Cup promises another compelling mix of history, regional pride and emerging ambition. From Indian football’s biggest institutions to clubs making their first appearance on the national stage, the tournament once again offers a snapshot of a game that continues to expand across the country.

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