IFA Shield 2026: Complete schedule and group line-up
The IFA Shield 2026 will run from 22 September 2026 to 6 October 2026, with opening fixtures including East Bengal v Mohammedan SC on 22 September and Mohun Bagan Super Giant v Sreenidi Deccan at Mohun Bagan Ground on 23 September (15:00 IST).
The tournament traces its origins to 1893 when the Indian Football Association, the football governing body in the Indian state of West Bengal, first staged the competition; it is considered the third oldest football tournament in India after the Durand Cup and the Trades Cup. The Royal Irish Rifles won the inaugural edition, and Mohun Bagan became the first all-Indian club to lift the Shield barefoot against the British East Yorkshire Regiment in 1911. The 2026 staging will be the 126th edition and follows the competition’s return in 2025 when Mohun Bagan clinched the trophy by beating East Bengal.
The draw places East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC and Punjab FC in Group A, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sreenidi Deccan and NorthEast United make up Group B. Group winners and the two runners-up will qualify for the semifinals, with the final to follow. According to the information provided, East Bengal have won the IFA Shield 29 times, while Mohun Bagan have won it 21 times.
Group A features ISL 2025-26 and Durand Cup 2026 champions East Bengal alongside Mohammedan SC and Punjab FC. Mohammedan SC were relegated from the ISL to the Indian Football League (IFL) last season, as stated. East Bengal will kick off the campaign against Mohammedan SC on 22 September at 15:00 IST, and the Red & Gold Brigade will eye their 30th title.
Group B contains defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sreenidi Deccan and NorthEast United. Mohun Bagan will aim for their 22nd trophy after winning last year in a dramatic penalty shootout against East Bengal FC. Mohun Bagan are scheduled to play IFL side Sreenidi Deccan on 23 September at Mohun Bagan Ground with kick-off listed as 15:00 IST.
The two semifinals are scheduled for 2 October and the final for 6 October 2026. Timing and venue for the final have not been officially confirmed.
The tournament opens on 22 September with East Bengal v Mohammedan SC at 15:00 IST, the semifinals are set for 2 October and the final is scheduled for 6 October 2026.