Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, July 24: The 135th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, will begin on Saturday with the much-anticipated Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium). The tournament will continue until August 23, when the final will also be held in Kolkata.

A total of 24 teams have been divided into six groups for this year's competition, featuring clubs from the Indian Super League, I-League, armed forces teams, and regional football clubs. The group-stage matches are expected to produce intense competition as teams battle for a place in the knockout rounds.

Group A comprises Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, South United FC, and CISF Protectors.

Group B includes Mohammedan Sporting Club, Indian Army Football Team, Baghpat FC, and Samaleswari Sporting.

Group C features Jamshedpur FC, SC Delhi, Indian Air Force Football Team, Defenders FC, and the Sri Lanka national team.

Group D consists of TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, FC Rangdajied, and the Indian Navy Football Team.

Group E includes Shillong Lajong FC, Lancing FC, Nongkseh SS & CC, and Mumbai FC.

Group F comprises NorthEast United FC, Bodoland FC, and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC.

At the conclusion of the group stage, the six group winners along with the two best second-placed teams across all groups will qualify for the quarter-finals. The knockout phase is scheduled to begin on August 16, with the eight qualifying teams competing for a place in the semi-finals and ultimately the championship match.

The 2026 Durand Cup will be played across six venues located in five cities, reflecting the tournament's growing national reach. In Kolkata, matches will be hosted at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. Other venues include Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi, Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, and Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

The opening match between traditional rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC is expected to attract significant attention from football fans across the country, continuing one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in Indian football. The Kolkata derby has historically been one of the biggest attractions of the Durand Cup and is expected to provide an exciting start to this year's tournament.

The tournament will conclude with the final on August 23 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, where the champions of the 135th Durand Cup will be crowned after a month of competitive football featuring clubs and teams from across India and neighbouring countries.