Excitement Builds for the 135th Durand Cup: Teams and Host Cities Announced

The 135th edition of the Durand Cup is gearing up to kick off on July 25, featuring 24 teams across five host cities. Kolkata remains the centerpiece, hosting key matches, including the final on August 23. New host cities like Ranchi and returning venues such as Guwahati and Shillong will showcase a mix of top Indian clubs and emerging teams. Fans can look forward to an exciting tournament that celebrates the rich heritage of Indian football while promoting local talent.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2026, 15:24 IST

Countdown to the Durand Cup Begins

The anticipation for the 135th Durand Cup is intensifying as the Organising Committee has revealed the 24 teams participating in this prestigious tournament, which will take place across five host cities.

Tournament Kickoff in Kolkata

The competition is set to kick off in Kolkata on July 25 and will span four weeks, concluding with the final match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on August 23.

Kolkata: The Heart of the Tournament

This year's event will be hosted in Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Guwahati, and Shillong, showcasing a mix of top Indian clubs, Services teams, and international participants. Kolkata, the tournament's home since 2019, will host two groups, the opening match, two quarter-finals, a semi-final, and the final. Matches will occur at both the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and the Kishore Bharati Krirangan from July 25 to August 23.

The Kolkata lineup features the record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant and 16-time champions East Bengal FC, alongside Mohammedan SC, South United FC, the CISF Football Team, the Indian Army Football Team, and newcomers Baghpat FC and Samaleswari Sporting from Odisha.

Ranchi: A New Host City

Ranchi will make its debut as a host city for the Durand Cup, marking a significant milestone in the tournament's growth. The Birsa Munda Stadium will host league matches from July 26 to August 16, culminating in one of the quarter-finals. The Jharkhand capital will welcome ISL teams Jamshedpur FC, Sporting Club Delhi, the Indian Air Force Football Team, and debutants Defenders FC from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

Imphal: A Hub for Football Talent

Imphal will once again host the Durand Cup, reinforcing Manipur's status as a key football nursery in India. Matches at the Khuman Lampak Stadium will take place from July 28 to August 17, including a quarter-final, featuring local teams TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, the Indian Navy Football Team, and newcomers FC Raengdai.

Shillong: Continuing the Tradition

After successfully hosting the tournament last year, Shillong continues its association with the Durand Cup. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host matches from July 31 to August 20, including one of the semi-finals. Local clubs such as Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh Sports, and Langsning FC will participate, along with debutants Mumbay FC from Maharashtra.

Guwahati: Home of the Defending Champions

The Durand Cup returns to Guwahati, where the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium will host league matches from August 1 to August 13. Defending champions NorthEast United FC will compete alongside FC1, Bodoland FC, and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC.

Tournament Format and Conclusion

The quarter-finals will be held in Kolkata, Ranchi, and Shillong, with one semi-final in each of these cities, leading to the final in Kolkata on August 23. This year's tournament reflects the diversity of Indian football, featuring celebrated clubs, emerging teams, Services sides, and international participants. As excitement builds, fans across India eagerly await the return of the nation's oldest football tournament.