Durand Cup 2026 Begins July 25: The 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, often called Asia’s oldest football tournament, will start on July 25, 2026. It brings 24 teams into the spotlight, including seven clubs that are making their first appearance in this competition. The whole tournament roughly a month-long run is set to end with the final on August 23 in Kolkata.
This 2026 edition feels like another notable chapter for Indian football and it has a blend of familiar Indian Super League (ISL) sides, I-League teams, Services squads, some overseas entrants and also newer homegrown outfits all set to play across five host cities
Durand Cup 2026 Begins July 25
One of the most talked about bits this year is the arrival of seven first-timers which shows how fast Indian football is growing. These debutants, they’ve basically earned the ticket by delivering solid performances in domestic competitions and league matches, so now they get a chance to test themselves against some of the country’s biggest clubs
Tournament to be Played Across Five Cities
The 2026 Durand Cup will be hosted across five football-loving cities:
- Kolkata
- Ranchi
- Guwahati
- Shillong
- Imphal
Ranchi makes history by hosting Durand Cup matches for the first time, expanding the tournament’s footprint into Jharkhand. The final will once again be staged in Kolkata on August 23.
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24 Teams
A total of 24 teams will compete in the tournament, including clubs from the ISL, I-League, Services teams and two international clubs, maintaining the tournament’s growing international character. According to the official Durand Cup website, the 24 participating teams for the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 are:
- NorthEast United FC
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant
- East Bengal FC
- Jamshedpur FC
- Punjab FC
- Mohammedan Sporting Club
- Shillong Lajong FC
- Namdhari FC
- Real Kashmir FC
- Diamond Harbour FC
- South United FC
- Bodoland FC
- Rangdajied United FC
- Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC
- 1 Ladakh FC
- TRAU FC
- NEROCA FC
- Indian Army FT
- Indian Navy FT
- Indian Air Force FC
- ITBP FT
- Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM FA)
- Tribhuvan Army FC (Nepal)
- BSF FT
First-time participants (7):
- Diamond Harbour FC
- South United FC
- Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC
- Rangdajied United FC
- Real Kashmir FC
- 1 Ladakh FC
- Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM FA)
Defending champions NorthEast United FC will return to defend the title they won last season, while traditional powerhouses are expected to challenge strongly for the trophy.
Important Dates
- Tournament starts: July 25, 2026
- Final: August 23, 2026
- Teams: 24
- Debutant clubs: Seven
- Host cities: Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal.
Founded in 1888, the Durand Cup remains Asia’s oldest football tournament and the third-oldest surviving football competition in the world. Organized under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Durand Football Tournament Society, the competition has regained prominence in recent years.
