Durand Cup 2026: TRAU FC 2-1 Indian Navy FT as group-stage standings take shape

TRAU FC defeated Indian Navy FT 2-1 at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal in their final Group D fixture of the Durand Cup 2026, registering their first win of the campaign but exiting the tournament at the group stage. Indian Navy FT also failed to advance after the defeat.

The 135th Durand Cup began on July 25, 2026 with the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC and will conclude with the final on August 23, 2026. Matches are being staged across 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.

In Group D, TRAU had earlier drawn with Neroca FC and lost to debutants FC Raengdai before the 2-1 win over Indian Navy FT that ended their campaign. Indian Navy FT lost their opening match to FC Raengdai, beat Neroca FC 2-0 on August 5, 2026, but could not progress after the loss to TRAU. Neroca FC sit bottom of the group after drawing with TRAU and losing 2-0 to Indian Navy on August 5, 2026, and will face FC Raengdai in their final group match.

Group A saw Mohun Bagan Super Giant qualify as group toppers after a 1-0 win over East Bengal in the opening derby and an 8-0 victory over South United FC, with Manvir Singh scoring a hat-trick, Suhail Bhatt a brace, Alberto Rodriguez and Rahul Bheke one goal each and one own goal recorded. East Bengal lost the derby 1-0 but followed with an 8-0 win over CISF Protectors and a 5-0 victory against South United, leaving them with a +12 goal difference and hopes of advancing as one of the two best runners-up. South United, who had beaten CISF 2-0 earlier, were eliminated after the 8-0 and 5-0 defeats, while CISF will finish their group fixtures against Mohun Bagan.

Group B remains closely contested: Indian Army FT recorded consecutive wins, 1-0 over Samaleswari Sporting and 4-0 over Baghpat FC, but still need a win against Mohammedan SC to confirm progression. Samaleswari Sporting, making their Durand Cup debut, lost to Indian Army 1-0 before beating Baghpat 4-1 and Mohammedan 3-2 to collect six points and top the group provisionally; the side must await other results given that two best runners-up will also advance. Mohammedan SC began with a 4-0 victory over Baghpat FC but were beaten 4-3 by Samaleswari and face Indian Army in a decisive fixture; Baghpat were eliminated after failing to win any group matches.

In Group C, Sporting Club Delhi opened with a win over Jamshedpur FC and followed up with a 7-0 victory against Sri Lankan Armed Forces side Defenders FC, positioning them as front-runners to advance. Jamshedpur had beaten Defenders 5-0 in their first match but lost to SC Delhi and must win their final group game to remain in contention. Indian Air Force FT recorded a 2-1 win over Defenders FC and still have two group matches remaining, while Defenders FC lost all their group games and have been eliminated.

Group E developments left Shillong Lajong FC on the brink of qualification after a 2-0 opening win over debutants Nongkseh Sports, Social & Cultural Club and a 5-0 victory against Mumbay FC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on August 8, 2026. Langsning FC began with a 5-0 win over Mumbay and drew 2-2 with Nongkseh, leaving them requiring a win in their final fixture to progress. Nongkseh drew 2-2 with Langsning after an opening defeat and have been eliminated, while Mumbay FC dropped consecutive 5-0 results and are also out of contention.

Defending champions NorthEast United FC secured progression after a 6-0 opening win over Bodoland FC—Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a hat-trick in that match—and a 4-1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on August 8, 2026, with Ajaraie adding a brace and goals from Macarton Nickson and Ethyan Gonzalez; Ajaraie has five goals in the tournament so far. Bodoland FC recovered from the 6-0 loss to beat FC1 of Kashmir 3-0 and remain in contention for a best-runner-up spot if they achieve a large-margin win in their final game. FC1, after an opening 2-1 victory over Karbi Anglong, lost 3-0 to Bodoland. Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC have been eliminated and will meet Bodoland FC on August 13, 2026 at IGA Stadium, Guwahati at 4 PM (IST).

Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC versus Bodoland FC on August 13, 2026 at IGA Stadium, Guwahati (kick-off 4 PM IST) is the next confirmed fixture highlighted by the current standings, and the Durand Cup will conclude with its final on August 23, 2026 as scheduled.