Durand Cup 2026: All teams' qualification scenarios

Mohun Bagan SG, SC Delhi and FC Raengdai have secured places in the quarter-finals of the 135th Durand Cup 2026 across venues including Shillong and Guwahati, as the group stage is scheduled to finish on August 13 and the knockout phase begins on August 16.

The 24-team group stage is drawing to a close with several sides having completed their fixtures; East Bengal beat South United in their final group match, and Samaleswari and Baghpat have also finished their group games. With the last group ties due by August 13, teams are contesting remaining places before the knockout rounds start on August 16.

In Group A, Mohun Bagan have already clinched a quarter-final berth with nine points from three games, having scored 15 goals and not conceded in the group stage. East Bengal sit second with six points and have completed their matches but must wait until August 10 after Mohun Bagan’s final group game to learn their fate. South United and CISF Protectors are eliminated from contention in the group.

Group B has seen Indian Army FT record successive wins — 1-0 over Samaleswari Sporting and 4-0 against Baghpat FC — putting them in a strong position with a game in hand against Mohammedan Sporting Club. Mohammedan sit third with three points and must beat Indian Army at home to remain in the qualification picture, while Samaleswari Sporting have finished their fixtures with six points. The report notes that the Black Panthers remain in the race and could equal the current leaders on points if they defeat Indian Army.

Group C, described as the "Group of Death," contains two ISL sides, Indian Air Force and Sri Lankan club Defenders SC; Defenders SC have been eliminated after losing all three matches and finishing with a negative goal difference. SC Delhi, making their Durand Cup debut, secured a late comeback win over Jamshedpur FC courtesy of Hnamte’s brace, and have topped the group to qualify after edging Indian Air Force. Indian Air Force won their opening game 2-1 against Defenders FC and still have one match remaining; the two best runners-up across groups will also progress to the next round.

FC Raengdai have booked their quarter-final place after two consecutive wins in Group D, leaving a single berth available for the remaining three teams. Indian Navy were urged to aim for a straightforward win to claim that spot, while TRAU and Neroca must improve their goal difference; TRAU recorded a 2-1 victory over Indian Navy FT to register their first win of the campaign, though that win concluded TRAU’s group-stage run. The coverage also states that Indian Navy and Neroca are currently not eligible for a quarter-final berth.

In Group E, Shillong Lajong FC and Langsning FC are the leading candidates to advance after Shillong Lajong defeated Mumbay FC 5-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on Saturday evening, August 8, 2026, a result that has nearly sealed Lajong’s progression. Langsning remain best placed to claim the second qualifying spot, while Nongkseh SS & CC have no chance and would face a difficult goal-difference task even with wins.

Defending champions NorthEast United FC secured progression after opening their campaign with a 6-0 victory over Bodoland and following that with a 4-1 win against Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. The report says FC1, the Kashmir side, and Bodoland still have a chance to qualify for the first time, while Karbi Morning have no chance after two consecutive defeats.

The group stage concludes on August 13 and the knockout rounds commence on August 16, with quarter-final places already confirmed for Mohun Bagan SG, SC Delhi, FC Raengdai and NorthEast United FC ahead of the remaining final group fixtures.