The 135th edition of the Durand Cup will kick off on July 25 in Kolkata and conclude with the final at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on August 23, featuring 24 participating teams across five host cities: Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Guwahati, and Shillong.
Host City Breakdown and Match Windows
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 be played at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan from July 25 to August 23. The Kolkata roster includes record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, 16-time champions East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, Bengaluru Super Division club South United FC, CISF Football Team, Indian Army Football Team, debutants Baghpat FC (reigning I-League 3 champions promoted to I-League 2), and Samaleswari Sporting from Odisha.
Ranchi Makes Debut as Host
Ranchi joins as a first-time host, with matches at Birsa Munda Stadium from July 26 to August 16, including a quarter-final. The city will welcome ISL sides Jamshedpur FC and Sporting Club Delhi, Indian Air Force Football Team, and debutants Defenders FC from Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
Imphal Returns as Host
Imphal's Khuman Lampak Stadium will host matches from July 28 to August 17, including a quarter-final. Local sides TRAU FC and NEROCA FC, Indian Navy Football Team, and debutants FC Raengdai (I-League 3 runners-up) will compete.
Shillong Continues Association
Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will stage matches from July 31 to August 20, culminating in a semi-final. The leg features three local clubs: Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh Sports, Social & Cultural Club, and Langsning FC, along with debutants Mumbay FC from Maharashtra.
Guwahati Hosts Back-to-Back Defending Champions
Guwahati's Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium will host league matches from August 1 to August 13. The Assam leg includes back-to-back defending champions NorthEast United FC, FC1 (players from J&K and Ladakh), Bodoland FC, and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC.
Knockout Stage and Final
Four quarter-finals will be held in Kolkata, Ranchi, and Shillong. Semi-finals take place in Shillong and Kolkata, with the final in Kolkata on August 23. The tournament blends India's leading clubs, Services teams, emerging sides, and international participation, continuing its tradition of combining heritage with contemporary football.
