Durand Cup 2026 Set for Grand Kick-Off as Kolkata Awaits Blockbuster Mohun Bagan-East Bengal Derby

The countdown to the 135th Durand Cup has officially begun, with the tournament's nationwide Trophy Tour concluding in Kolkata on Wednesday ahead of the grand opening on July 25. The ceremonial event marked the arrival of the Durand Cup, President's Cup and Simla Trophy, signalling the start of another edition of Asia's oldest football tournament.

The tournament will open with one of Indian football's fiercest rivalries as Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on East Bengal at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, setting the stage for a thrilling start to the prestigious competition.

This year's Durand Cup will be played across five host cities—Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal —bringing together 24 teams, including a Sri Lankan Armed Forces side, for 43 matches spread across six venues. Kolkata alone will host 16 matches, including the opening fixture and the grand final scheduled for August 23.

At the closing ceremony of the Trophy Tour, West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan urged supporters to rally behind Indian football and fill the stadiums during the tournament.

"There is no greater encouragement for our players than the support of passionate fans. It is time for everyone to unite behind Indian football," he said.

Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, highlighted Kolkata's special connection with the competition, saying the city has remained the tournament's principal host since its revival in 2019.

He noted that football is deeply woven into Kolkata's culture and said the city's continued association has strengthened the legacy of the historic competition.

Besides hosting the group-stage matches of Groups A and B, Kolkata will also stage a quarter-final, a semi-final and the final, ensuring the City of Joy remains at the heart of India's biggest football celebration.