The 135th edition of the Durand Cup gets underway on Saturday with one of Indian football’s biggest rivalries taking centre stage as East Bengal FC take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the opening match of the tournament at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
The clash not only launches the 2026-27 domestic football season but also renews one of the fiercest rivalries in Asian football, with the two most successful clubs in Durand Cup history battling for an early advantage in Group A.
Durand Cup Returns For Its 135th Edition
Founded in 1888, the Durand Cup is the oldest football tournament in Asia and the third-oldest football competition in the world, behind England’s FA Cup and the Scottish Cup.
This year’s tournament runs from July 25 to August 23 and features 24 teams divided into six groups. The six group winners and the two best second-placed teams will qualify for the quarter-finals.
Matches will be played across six stadiums in five cities:
- Kolkata
- Shillong
- Imphal
- Guwahati
- Ranchi
The competition includes clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, Services teams, and Sri Lankan side Defenders FC.
NorthEast United FC enter the tournament as defending champions after defeating Diamond Harbour in last year’s final.
Kolkata Derby Headlines Tournament Opener
Few fixtures in Indian football carry the history and emotion of the Kolkata Derby.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant begin the tournament as the most successful club in Durand Cup history with 17 titles, while East Bengal FC are close behind with 16 championships.
Both teams have been drawn in Group A, alongside South United FC and CISF Protectors, making the opening fixture crucial in the race for a quarter-final spot.
New Coaches Begin Fresh Era
Saturday’s clash will also mark the competitive debut of both clubs’ new head coaches.
- East Bengal: Antonio Lopez Habas
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant: Panagiotis Dilmperis
With several overseas signings arriving late for pre-season, both sides could field largely Indian starting line-ups, although fans are expected to get their first look at several new signings during the tournament.
New Signings
East Bengal FC
The Red and Gold Brigade have strengthened their squad with:
- Boris Singh
- Phurba Lachenpa
- Danish Farooq
- Dani Ramirez
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
The Mariners have added:
- Rahul Bheke
- Dejan Drazic
- Miguel Figueira
- Samir Zeljkovic
While some foreign recruits may not be fully match-fit, both clubs will look to make a winning start under new management.
East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Match Details
Match: East Bengal FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Tournament: Durand Cup 2026 – Group A
Date: Saturday, July 25
Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), Kolkata
Kick-off Time: 5:00 PM IST
Where To Watch East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Live
Football fans can watch the live telecast of the Kolkata Derby on the Sony Sports Network.
The match will also be available for live streaming on the Sony LIV app and website.