Durand Cup 2026 Set for Grand Kick-Off on July 25; Ranchi Joins Host Cities for the First Time
The countdown to the 135th edition of the Durand Cup has begun, with organizers confirming that the prestigious football tournament will be held from July 25 to August 23, 2026. The competition, regarded as Asia’s oldest football tournament, will once again bring together some of the biggest clubs, Services teams and emerging talents from across the region.
A total of 24 teams, including two foreign sides, are expected to participate in the month-long event. Matches will be staged across five cities—Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong and Ranchi—with the Jharkhand capital becoming a host venue for the first time in the tournament’s long and celebrated history.
Ranchi Creates New Chapter in Durand Cup History
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s edition is the inclusion of Ranchi as a host city. The Birsa Munda Stadium will welcome Durand Cup matches, marking a significant milestone for football development in Jharkhand. The move reflects the tournament’s continued expansion and its efforts to take top-level football to new regions of the country.
Venues Confirmed
Six stadiums will host matches during the competition:
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
Birsa Munda Stadium, Ranchi
Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong
Defending Champions in Focus
The upcoming season will see defending champions NorthEast United FC return to defend their crown after a memorable title-winning campaign in the previous edition. The tournament has become an important platform for Indian clubs to test their squads before the domestic season while also offering young players a chance to shine on a national stage.
Tournament Snapshot
Tournament: Durand Cup 2026
Edition: 135th
Dates: July 25 – August 23, 2026
Teams: 24 (including two foreign teams)
Host Cities: Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Imphal and Shillong
Number of Venues: 6
Defending Champions: NorthEast United FC
A Growing Football Festival
Over the past few years, the Durand Cup has expanded beyond its traditional base, strengthening football’s presence across eastern and northeastern India. With a mix of elite clubs, Services teams and international participation, the tournament continues to serve as a major football festival and a key stepping stone for emerging talent.
The addition of Ranchi, combined with the return of established football centres such as Kolkata and Shillong, promises another exciting chapter in the rich legacy of one of the world’s oldest surviving football competitions.
