East Bengal FC to host Al-Shorta in AFC Champions League Two at Salt Lake Stadium on Oct 13, 2026

East Bengal FC will face Al-Shorta in an AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 group-stage match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 7:15 PM IST and live coverage on the FanCode app. The fixture is East Bengal’s first home match of the campaign and their next outing after a draw in their opening game against Al-Hussein.

East Bengal return to the AFC group stage for the ninth time and for the first time since 2015, with Kolkata described as being in a very festive mood ahead of the match despite security concerns that were portrayed before the game. The contest will be the first-ever meeting between East Bengal and Al-Shorta, and the home side will aim to improve on a stalemate from their first ACL Two outing.

The club promoted the fixture on social media, posting: "All set to host Al-Shorta in our first #ACLTwo home game 🏠🔴🟡🏟️ VYBK, Kolkata 🗓️ 13 October, Tuesday⏰ 7:15 PM💻 Live on @FanCode 🎟️ Tickets available on @district_india#JoyEastBengal #EBFCInAsia pic.twitter.com/B42M70Nveh" which confirmed the kick-off time, broadcast partner and ticket availability.

East Bengal arrive off the back of a loss in the IFA Shield 2026 Final to Mohun Bagan, and the article notes Antonio Lopez Habas did not produce the same level of football he showed in the Durand Cup 2026. After drawing with Al-Hussein, the team will seek a clinical performance at home, with the report saying home advantage “might be an upper hand for Rashid & Co.”

Tactical notes in the preview stress East Bengal’s plan to rely on a compact defensive shape against Al-Shorta, while warning of the Iraqi side’s attacking threat down the wings and their finishing in the forward areas. The piece highlights that missed chances in recent matches proved costly for East Bengal and will be a factor against a strong attacking opponent.

The opponent is described in the report as an Iraqi top-flight side and specifically as Iraqi Stars League champions Al-Shorta SC, underscoring the quality of the visiting team East Bengal will meet at Salt Lake Stadium. The match is presented as a step-up test for East Bengal within the ACL Two group-stage campaign.

The preview states a win for East Bengal would boost their standings and morale, adding that a home victory would “mathematically put the Red & Gold side in a very strong position” in the group. The outcome is framed as important for the club’s progress in the AFC Champions League Two campaign.

For live viewing and additional updates, fans are advised that the match will be shown on the FanCode app, and the report directs readers: For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.

The East Bengal v Al-Shorta match is scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata with kick-off at 7:15 PM IST, and it takes place before East Bengal begin their title defence in the Indian Super League (ISL) on October 13, 2026.