East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United FC and Punjab FC advance to IFA Shield 2026 semi-finals

East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United FC and Punjab FC have secured places in the IFA Shield 2026 semi-finals following the bulk of group-stage fixtures, with two group games still to be played as of 27 September 2026.

The IFA Shield, first staged in 1893 under British authority, has long been regarded in the source article as a prestigious tournament and a stepping stone for Indian clubs. Mohun Bagan became the first all-Indian side to win the competition in 1911 when they beat the East Yorkshire Regiment playing barefoot. The competition returned in 2025 for its 126th edition, when Mohun Bagan defeated East Bengal FC on a penalty shootout to lift the trophy.

In Group A Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC clinched qualification after winning their opening group games. Mohun Bagan recorded a six-goal performance at Mohun Bagan Ground to defeat Sreenidi Deccan FC. NorthEast United also beat the IFL side, and Sreenidi Deccan FC failed to register a win in the group stage, leaving them eliminated.

Group B produced two more qualifiers: East Bengal FC and Punjab FC. East Bengal started with a comeback win over Calcutta Customs FC, while Punjab FC scored seven goals against the CFL outfit that took part after Mohammedan SC withdrew from the tournament. Those results confirmed Calcutta Customs FC’s exit from the competition.

All six clubs have mostly completed their group-stage matches and the four teams advancing to the knockout phase are East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United FC and Punjab FC; Sreenidi Deccan FC and Calcutta Customs FC have been eliminated after losing their respective group-stage matches.

Two group fixtures remain: Mohun Bagan will face NorthEast United FC on 29 September 2026 and Punjab FC will meet East Bengal FC on 30 September 2026. The IFA Shield 2026 will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website for viewers who wish to watch the remaining matches.