Durand Cup 2026 kicks off July 25 across five Indian cities

India's historic Durand Cup will hold its 135th edition from 25 July to 23 August 2026. The tournament features 24 teams, including two foreign sides, and marks the debut of Ranchi as a host city alongside Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal and Shillong. Matches will be played at six venues: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

Organised by the Indian Army's Eastern Command, the Durand Cup remains Asia's oldest football competition and the world's third‑oldest surviving tournament. Since moving to eastern India in 2019, the event has expanded from 16 to 24 teams. NorthEast United FC are the defending champions. The tournament continues to serve as a platform for emerging Indian football talent and includes foreign Army teams as part of its international participation.