Durand Cup 2026
The 2026 Durand Cup has reached its decisive stage. The quarterfinals have concluded, confirming the four semifinalists. East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United FC and Sporting Club Delhi have secured their places in the last four.
The two Kolkata giants are now just one victory away from reaching the final.
However, both teams face challenging opponents in the semifinals. East Bengal will take on Sporting Club Delhi. Mohun Bagan will face defending champions NorthEast United FC.
The first semifinal will see East Bengal take on Sporting Club Delhi on Wednesday, August 19. The match will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 pm.
East Bengal reached the semifinals after beating Indian Army FT 1-0 in the quarterfinal. PV Vishnu scored the decisive goal in the 39th minute with a header from Chris Economides’ cross.
The victory has increased East Bengal’s hopes of ending a long wait for another Durand Cup title. The club last won the competition in 2004. They are now two matches away from potentially lifting the trophy again.
However, Sporting Club Delhi will provide a serious challenge. They produced an impressive 5-1 victory over FC Raeyangdai in the quarterfinals. Their attacking performance means East Bengal will need to remain disciplined defensively.
The second semifinal will be played on Thursday, August 20. Mohun Bagan will face defending champions NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The match will also kick off at 7 pm.
Mohun Bagan survived a dramatic quarterfinal against Jamshedpur FC.
The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. Mohun Bagan eventually won 9-8 in the penalty shootout to book their semifinal place.
Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith proved decisive during the shootout. He saved Jamshedpur’s ninth penalty before Abhishek Meitei converted the winning kick. NorthEast United, meanwhile, produced a remarkable comeback against Shillong Lajong.
They were 2-1 down at half-time but eventually won 5-2. The result sent the defending champions into another Durand Cup semifinal. The Shillong-based semifinal promises to be a fascinating contest.
East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are on opposite sides of the semifinal bracket.
Therefore, if both teams win their respective semifinal matches, they could meet in the Durand Cup final.
The final is scheduled for August 23 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. That possibility adds another layer of excitement to the final stages of the tournament.
For East Bengal, the immediate challenge is Sporting Club Delhi. For Mohun Bagan, the obstacle is the defending champion NorthEast United.
Both Kolkata clubs will be determined to secure their places in the final. If they succeed, Indian football fans could witness another high-profile Kolkata Derby with the Durand Cup trophy at stake.
The semifinal stage therefore promises two major contests on consecutive evenings.
East Bengal will take the field on August 19. Mohun Bagan will follow on August 20. The winners will meet in the final on August 23.
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