135th Durand Cup Set for July 25 to August 23, 2026
The 135th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament and the world's third-oldest surviving football competition, will kick off on July 25 and conclude on August 23, 2026. Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, the tournament will feature 24 teams, including two foreign sides, across five host cities: Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Imphal, and Shillong.
NorthEast United FC enter as the defending champions, having won the previous edition. The tournament, known as the IndianOil Durand Cup, has expanded significantly since its transition to eastern India in 2019, growing from a 16-team to a 24-team competition.
Expanded Footprint and New Host City
For the first time, Ranchi will serve as a host city, with matches at the Birsa Munda Stadium. Other venues include the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
The inclusion of Ranchi marks a milestone in the tournament's history, further expanding its reach across eastern and northeastern India. The Durand Cup has long been a platform for emerging players to compete against top clubs and services teams.
Blend of Elite Clubs and Emerging Talent
A defining strength of the Durand Cup is its ability to bring together the full spectrum of Indian football, from leading clubs and services teams to emerging academies and state sides. According to the organisers, the tournament provides a valuable competitive platform for young players to test themselves against quality opposition and accelerate their development.
Since 2019, the Durand Cup has re-established itself as one of India's premier football competitions, featuring foreign participation from army teams of neighbouring nations. The 2026 edition will continue this tradition, with two foreign sides among the 24 participants.
Legacy and Future Prospects
With a legacy spanning 138 years, the Durand Cup remains a cornerstone of Indian football. The tournament will culminate on August 23, 2026, when the champions lift the iconic trophy. Details on participating teams, groupings, fixtures, and the knockout schedule will be announced in due course.
The tournament's enduring legacy lies in its ability to provide opportunities for young footballers from every corner of the country, ensuring its place at the heart of Indian football for generations to come.
