The tournament kicks off on October 25, with two exciting fixtures: East Bengal FC take on Real Kashmir FC, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant face Chennaiyin FC. These opening encounters already promise high intensity, with some of Indian football’s most celebrated clubs going head-to-head.

The following days feature a mix of historic rivalries and fresh matchups. Clubs like FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters, and Mumbai City FC are all set to showcase their best football, while emerging teams like Inter Kashi, Rajasthan United FC, and Gokulam Kerala FC aim to make their mark in the competition.

Fans will also be treated to classic encounters such as Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC on October 31, a fixture that continues to be one of the most watched and fiercely contested clashes in Indian football.

Fixtures for the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26:

October 25: East Bengal FC vs Real Kashmir FC
October 25: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Chennaiyin FC
October 26: NorthEast United FC vs Inter Kashi
October 26: FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC
October 27: Punjab FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC
October 27: Hyderabad FC vs Mumbai City FC
October 28: Chennaiyin FC vs East Bengal FC
October 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Real Kashmir FC
October 29: Jamshedpur FC vs NorthEast United FC
October 29: FC Goa vs Inter Kashi
October 30: Bengaluru FC vs Mohammedan Sporting Club
October 30: Rajasthan United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC
October 31: Real Kashmir FC vs Chennaiyin FC
October 31: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal FC
November 1: Inter Kashi vs Jamshedpur FC
November 1: FC Goa vs NorthEast United FC
November 2: Mohammedan Sporting Club vs Punjab FC
November 2: Gokulam Kerala FC vs Bengaluru FC
November 3: Rajasthan United FC vs Mumbai City FC
November 3: Kerala Blasters FC vs Hyderabad FC
November 5: Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC
November 5: Gokulam Kerala FC vs Mohammedan Sporting Club
November 6: Rajasthan United FC vs Hyderabad FC
November 6: Mumbai City FC vs Kerala Blasters FC

While the fixtures for the group and league stages have been confirmed, the dates for the knockout matches will be announced later, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next phase of the tournament.

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The Groups
• Group A: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal, Real Kashmir FC
• Group B: FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC, Inter Kashi
• Group C: Bengaluru FC, Mohammedan FC, Punjab FC, Gokulam Kerala
• Group D: Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Hyderabad FC, Rajasthan United

Key Matchups to Watch

Group A is a mouth-watering draw, with the legendary Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal set to light up the tournament. Real Kashmir bring grit and unpredictability, while Chennaiyin FC’s experience makes this one of the toughest pools.

Group B pits FC Goa against Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United, ensuring a fierce contest for the top spot. Debutants Inter Kashi will look to make history by upsetting established ISL clubs.

In Group C, Bengaluru FC face off against Mohammedan SC, Punjab FC, and Gokulam Kerala in what promises to be a battle of styles. Mohammedan’s I-League resurgence and Gokulam’s pedigree make this a group where every point counts.

Group D is equally stacked, headlined by Mumbai City FC vs Kerala Blasters, one of the league’s most intense rivalries. Hyderabad FC’s resilience and Rajasthan United’s fighting spirit mean no side can take qualification for granted.

Road Ahead

With only the group winners advancing to the knockouts, every game will feel like a final. The mix of historic rivalries, ISL heavyweights, and ambitious I-League challengers ensures drama at every turn. And with a continental playoff berth on the line, the 2025 edition of the Super Cup is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested yet.

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The tournament that is being played at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar saw Bengaluru FC comfortably defeating Neroca FC 3-1 today. Sunil Chhetri (13’; 55’; 90’+4’) who was adjudged the Hero of the Match scored a hat trick for Bengaluru FC while Pritam Singh (45’+3’) scored the solitary goal for Neroca FC. Bengaluru FC now face Mohun Bagan in their semi-final clash on the 17th April 2018.

The game began with the Hero Indian Super League 2017-18 Runners Up – Bengaluru FC leading the proceedings. Bengaluru FC kept pressing hard but the Hero I-League 2017-18 Runners Up, Neroca FC showcased their class through solid defence and some impressive saves by their captain and goalkeeper Lalit Thapa.

Bengaluru were soon rewarded for their consistent attacks in the 13th minute through a cross from the left flank from Udanta that was duly punched out by Lalit Thapa but only to be pushed back into the net from a spectacular header from Sunil Chhetri.

Neroca FC thereafter made a few moves in the opponent’s box but the lack of quality crosses and some good saves by Bengaluru’s Gurpreet Singh eluded the Manipur outfit from an equalizer. Neroca FC struck back with an equalizer in the stoppage time, when a silly mistake from Gurpreet Singh of not collecting the ball properly, saw Neroca’s Pritam Singh (45’ + 3’) make no mistakes in converting the moment to their favour.

Fresh from losing their lead in the first half, Bengaluru FC pressed hard right from the start of the second half. They struck soon through their captain Sunil Chhetri in the 55th minute. Neroca FC thereafter made some really close attempts but couldn’t convert any to equalize.

Neroca FC who sealed their quarterfinal spot by defeating Kerala Blasters after coming from behind situation couldn’t really repeat the story today. Their hopes for an equalizer or a win were dashed in the dying moments of the second half when Sunil Chhetri (90’+4’) struck his third goal of the game in the stoppage time.

The game finished with Bengaluru FC defeating Neroca FC 3-1 in the fourth and final quarterfinal of the Hero Super Cup 2018.

Also Read: Gaurs storm into semis in a game that saw 6 goals and 6 red cards

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While the Hero I-League outfit showcased some great football taking an early lead, it was Bengaluru FC who made way to the quarterfinals through two amazing strikes from Miku (70’) & Udanta Singh (90+5’). Henry Kisseka (33’) scored the lone goal for Gokulam Kerala FC.

The first half began with Kerala Gokulam FC pressing hard. However, it were the Hero ISL 2018 Runners-Up Bengaluru FC who had the first clear chance to take a lead in the 11th minute, when Sunil Chhetri failed to find the back of the net, thanks to a brilliant save from the Gokulam Kerala FC goalkeeper Nikhil Barnard. Thereafter a series of attacks plied on both sides yielding no results.

However, a brilliant pass in the 33rd minute from Gokulam Kerala FC’s Macedonian forward Hristijan Denkovski to Henry Kisseka gave the Hero I-League outfit a crucial lead in the game. Bengaluru FC thereafter were constantly pressing hard on Gokulam Kerala FC but some brilliant interceptions and a solid defence coupled with some error-free goalkeeping barred Bengaluru FC of an equalizer in the first 45 minutes of the game.

Also Read: JSW Bengaluru FC wary of ‘giant-Killers’ Gokulam Kerala FC

The second half began with Bengaluru FC taking the lead to the attack and they nearly scored one in the 50th minute through Subhashis Bose, but the ball hit the post eluding the Hero ISL Runners-up a chance to equalize.  Bengaluru FC were a refreshed side in the second half showcasing their quality consistently. Their continued effort finally yielded results when Miku scored in the 70th minute through a brilliant backheel pass from Udanta beating Gokulam Kerala FC goalkeeper Bernard.

Thereafter it was Bengaluru FC dominating the field pressing high up in the attack with large numbers to take the lead and their efforts finally brought results through a brilliant goal from Udanta Singh (90+5’) in the dying seconds of the injury time.  Bengaluru FC made their way to the quarterfinals of the Hero Super Cup 2018 defeating Gokulam Kerala FC 2-1.

Udanta Singh of Bengaluru FC was adjudged the Hero of the Match.

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The Kolkata side finished second from last on the ISL table this season and were forced to play a qualifier against Chennai City FC, beating the South Indian side comfortably (4-1) to set up a clash against FC Goa. After a disappointing loss to Chennaiyin FC in the semi-finals of the ISL, the Gaurs are looking to fire back in the Super Cup in a bid to obtain their first piece of silverware. The Gaurs will be coached by Goan legend Derrick Pereira for the Super Cup, who will make history by being the first Indian coach to lead an ISL side.

The Gaurs have registered six foreign players for the competition, leaving out Moroccan midfield dynamo Ahmed Jahouh and Dutch youngster Mark Sifneos. ISL top scorer Ferran Corominas will be available for the Gaurs. Pereira was confident about his team’s chances in the competition, explaining that the team is looking to make amends in the Super Cup.

“We were unlucky in the ISL semi-finals. We put in a lot of effort in the last three league games to reach the semi-finals and that ultimately took a toll on us. We have enough quality in the side to win this tournament. Football however, is an unpredictable sport and as such, we have to take our chances if we want to win this tournament,” he said.

Edu Bedia has been an important member of the side and has played a number of games in the heart of midfield, scoring one goal in the ISL. Talking about his partnership with Jahouh, he said, “Jahouh was an important player for the side and he will be missed. However, I am a professional and whatever shape the coach asks me to play in, I will do so. I have played alongside Pronay during the ISL apart from Jahouh. So it doesn’t matter who I have to play with. What matters is that I do well. We are all looking forward to having a good tournament and winning the trophy.”

Winger Mandar Rao Dessai featured in every game for the Gaurs in the ISL. The Goan who usually operates on the left flank was given the freedom to switch flanks often during the tournament and used this strategy to good effect. “Throughout my career I have operated only on the left flank. But this year, the coach asked me to move to the right as well. This gave me the opportunity to cut in and take shots. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which side I play. I always give my best in every match and it is my duty to try to help my team win,” he quipped.

Also Read: Going for tried and tested is reaping rewards for finalists

Also Read: Hero Super Cup: Gokulam continue Giant Killing as they beat much fancied NEUFC

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Ugandan striker Henry Kisseka scored in either side of halftime to clinch the victory for the Hero I-League debutants. The combination Kisseka and Mudde Mussa tested the Highlander’s defence early on with Kisseka coming close in the seventh minute. Lalrindika Ralte found the back of the net at the other end but his goal was disallowed for off-side.

Gokulam continued to create havoc while North East tried to hit on the counter through their Brazilian duo of Danilo and Marcio with Fanai Lalrempuia’s making dangerous runs from the right. After a series of opportunities, the Jayaraj-Kisseka combination struck gold in the 43rd minute. Jayaraj’s through ball from the right was controlled beautifully by Kisseka who put it into the far right side-netting and propel Gokulam into the lead. The first half-ended with Kerala clearly on the upswing.

NEUFC rang in the second half with their first substitution by bringing in Reagan Singh for Nirmal Chetri. The Highlanders began on a promising note with with Narzary playing a key role in two chances, with one of them being muffed up by Danilo. Rowlin Borges missed a chance and was promptly taken off by Grant as he brought in the more attacking Len Doungel in the 66th minute.

Couple of more changes followed as Alajmi was replaced by 23-year old Macedonian forward, Hristijan Denkovski who made his debut for the club and Swedish forward Maic Sema was brought on in place of Narzary, all 3 changes occurring within a span of five minutes. However, it was Gokulam’s day as Kisseka struck the nail in the Highlander’s coffin. A wonderful through from Salman inside the box on the right to Jayaraj, found him in cutting in and squaring it to the Ugandan who finished it off coolly to double the lead in the 75th minute.

The Highlanders had a chance to make a comeback but Len Doungel and Lopez missed two gilt-edged chances in the 76th and 77th minutes. Len got his flying header straight into the hands of Nikhil Barnard, while Danilo Lopes placed it wide in an on one on one situation.

Bino George indicated signs of shutting shop in the 84th minute, by bringing on Sushanth Mathew in place of Salman. With five minutes added on soon after, it was too little for the North East to mount a fight back with an injury time shot on the bar from the Highlanders summing up their night of frustration.

Gokulam Kerala FC now find themselves facing Bengaluru FC in the Pre-Quarters.

Also Read: Hero Super Cup Qualifiers: Willis Plaza scores brace as Churchill defeat Delhi Dynamos

Also Read: Despite criticism, Jeje stands out for Chennaiyin

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Riding on a brace from Trinidadian Willis Plaza, Churchill now enter the main draw of the tournament scheduled to begin on March 31 and will face Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in the Pre-Quarters. The Goan outfit overcame a cautious start to get over the line in extra-time, after Kalu Uche had given the Delhi side a fifth minute lead.

At the Kalinga Stadium, Churchill, who were placed ninth in the Hero I-League and faced relegation, upset the six match unbeaten run of the Indian Super League outfit. The Lions got a goal as early as the fifth minute when Kalu Uche, latched on to a ball just outside the box on the left after a neat 1-2 with Nandhakumar, before unleashing a pile-driver leaving Churchill custodian Ricardo Cardozo hopelessly out of position.

Delhi continued to dominate posession. Romeo Fernandez found Uche again in the 12th minute with a wonderful cross bringing out a neat save from Cardozo. A minute later, Lalianzuala Changte missed with a clear sight at goal from inside the box. Churchill slowy started to find their feet into the game.  In the 29th minute, Britto cut in from the right and found Nicolas free from what appeared to be a deflected cross off a Delhi Dynamos defender, inside the box. His neat trapping and finish was disallowed for off-side.

In the 32nd minute, Churchill restored parity when Plaza controlled the ball with a superb first touch to drill it at the near post.  A feeble effort from Changte during added time was collected easily as the teams went into the lemon break.

Also Read: Mumbai City FC are not taking ‘Agile’ Arrows lightly

Churchill bolstered their midfield by bringing Israel Gurung for Yendremban Meitei at the start of the second half. Meanwhile Delhi had also effected a substitution with Seityasen Singh replacing Romeo Fernandez in the midfield. Both sides created opportunities and missing with equal disdain. Mirabaje’s effort from a free kick in the 56th minute sailed over while Plaza’s 61st minute brought about a good save from Irueta.

While Delhi were still ahead in possession and were pressing hard, their efforts to weave through the Churchill defense lacked enough imagination and penetration. Churchill on the other hand seemed to have embarked upon a strategy of soaking in the pressure and trying to release Plaza with the long ball from their own half, which was causing problems for the Delhi defence.

Both sides tried hard for the winner and effected their second substitions in the 85th minute. Churchill got in Oneyama for Bektur while Delhi replaced Changte with David Ngaihte. It was still Plaza, who by the end of 90+4 minutes of added time who had not only created but also missed the most chances to score for both sides.

As expected a very sluggish first 15 minutes of extra time saw both teams creating half-chances at best, but Willis Plaza breathed life into the second, when at the very start of it, an innocuous long ball from Jovel Martins from deep inside the Churchill defence, saw Plaza trap beautifully over two defenders inside the Delhi box and neatly wrong-foot the Delhi keeper to beat him again at the near post. His 106th minute strike thereby, securing the win for the I-League side.

Also Read: Despite criticism, Jeje stands out for Chennaiyin

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The Arrows, comprising of the India U19 National Team boys and the Indian U17 World Cup team, most of them emerging from the AIFF Academy are being coached by Luis Norton de Matos who believes that the ‘process needs to continue.’

The kick-off is slated for 5 pm and the match will be telecast live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD, and on Hotstar and Jio TV. The qualifiers of the tournament will be played between teams who finished between 7th and 10th in the Hero ISL and Hero I-League respectively. The four winners will proceed to the final round of the tournament which kicks-off from March 31.

“We are in a process and we’ll continue to show that we are able to showcase a good brand of football, no matter who are we facing,” Matos stressed.

“We had four wins in the Hero I-League despite being the youngest squad in the league.  Moreover, the youngest highest scorer Abhijit Sarkar is in my team. My boys were chosen for the Hero of the Match 10 times. Naorem scored arguably the best goal in the I-League and mostly, the team proved their mettle against the physically superior sides.”

Princeton Rebello also said that the team knows how tough the match is going to be against Mumbai City FC and they’re ready for it. “This is a competition where we can bow out on first day itself. Even after a single match. We can’t let this opportunity go,” Rebello mentioned.

Meanwhile Mumbai City FC coach Alexandre Guimarães lauded All India Football Federation’s developmental project saying: ”This is a very good idea of the federation to give them a possibility to compete with professional teams. This is not very usual in other places where I have been (Asia or South America) before.”

”This process can be continued and it’ll gain them gather more experience for future. I watched some games and we know how hungry they’re for the success.” Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who has recently extended his ally with the Mumbai-based club, also reaffirmed the same and ratified that they are taking the match very seriously.

“All the youngsters have experience of playing in a FIFA World Cup, which is huge for any footballer. They’re agile, they are learning with each passing day and we’re aware of their potential. They can surprise one and all on a given day.”

Also Read: MDFA to host Barcelona vs Juventus Legends game at DY Patil

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The qualifiers of the tournament will be played between teams who finished between 7th and 10th in the Hero ISL and Hero I-League respectively. The four winners will proceed to the final round of the tournament which kicks-off from March 31.

NEUFC coach Avram Grant mentioned that his team couldn’t garner positive results despite playing good football but they’re now “ready for the war.” “A Cup game is always a war and we’re approaching tomorrow’s game likewise. We had a frustrating phase of two months towards the business end of the league as we lost many games. But, now we are here to do something good in the Super Cup,” he mentioned.

Portuguese defender José Gonçalves added: “There’s absolutely no difference between us. It’s warm but we have to be at the top of our game to churn out a positive result.” On the other hand, Gokulam Kerala FC, fondly referred to as ‘Giant-Killers’ FC,’ courtesy their victories in the Hero I-League against giants Mohun Bagan, Kingfisher East Bengal are also approaching the match with all seriousness.

“We didn’t start well in the league but once we did, we showed our worth to everyone. We want to continue the momentum tomorrow.” coach Bino George said in the official pre-match press conference held at the Kalinga Stadium. Salman K, who proved himself as a lynchpin for the Keralite outfit stated that they don’t want to let go the opportunity cheaply.

“After playing University football, I-League was a massive stage for me and now we have the Super Cup. It’s a terrific platform for all of us and we don’t want to let it go cheaply,” the defender stressed.

Also Read: In form Delhi Dynamos look start off on high against Churchill Brothers

Also Read: MDFA to host Barcelona vs Juventus Legends game at DY Patil

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In another match which kicks-off at 8 pm at the same venue, North East United Football Club will lock horns with Gokulam Kerala FC. Both the matches will be telecast live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD, and on Hotstar and Jio TV.

The qualifiers of the tournament will be played between teams who finished between 7th and 10th in the Hero ISL and Hero I-League respectively. The four winners will proceed to the final round of the tournament which kicks-off from March 31. DDFC who ended their ISL campaign in style after a 6-match unbeaten run informed they are taking the tournament very seriously and will “give their best tomorrow.”

“It has been a mixed season for us. We didn’t start well but towards the end, we improved a lot in various aspects and are currently unbeaten in our last-6 matches,” assistant Coach Shakti Chauhan said at the official pre-match press conference.

“This is a different ball game. All our players are fit and they’re rearing to give it a go tomorrow,” Chauhan confirmed. On the other hand, Churchill Brothers FC Goa have come here at the back of a 6-match winless streak including 5 losses which eventually led to their relegation from the Hero I-League.

Coach Alfred Fernandes stated: “We have had ups and downs in the I-League but all of that is past. We’re looking forward tomorrow’s game against Delhi Dynamos FC and hope to get a positive result.”

“DDFC didn’t start well. But they are on a dream run at the moment. We will put up a fight and intend to make every opportunity count,” he added. Fernandes also informed that there are no injury concerns and despite defender Osagie Monday skipping the day’s practice session, will be available for the match.

Also Read: Final round of Hero Super Cup to kick-off on March 31

Also Read: MDFA to host Barcelona vs Juventus Legends game at DY Patil

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