IFA Shield 2026: East Bengal vs Mohammedan to kick off in Kolkata on 22nd September 2026

East Bengal FC and Mohammedan SC will open the IFA Shield 2026 in Kolkata on 22nd September 2026, and the tournament will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.

The competition returns on 22nd September 2026 after an emotional 2025 edition in which Mohun Bagan clinched the trophy by defeating East Bengal. The IFA Shield carries a history dating to the pre-independence era and is described in the source as the third oldest football tournament in India after the Durand Cup and the Trades Cup. Six clubs are set to contest the 2026 edition: East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan SC, Punjab FC, NorthEast United FC and Sreenidi Deccan.

Organisers have confirmed the two groups for the group stage: Group A contains East Bengal, Mohammedan and Punjab FC, while Group B comprises Mohun Bagan, Sreenidi Deccan FC and NorthEast United FC. The group round is scheduled to begin from 23rd September 2026, with all matches planned to be played in Kolkata.

The tournament will see East Bengal FC kick off the fresh campaign against Mohammedan SC on 22nd September 2026.

Following the group stage, the two semi-finals are scheduled for 2nd October 2026; the date, timing and venue for the final have not been officially confirmed.

The IFA Shield 2026 will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website. 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 next confirmed fixture is the opening match between East Bengal and Mohammedan on 22nd September 2026, with the group phase due to start from 23rd September 2026 and the semi-finals set for 2nd October 2026; the final’s arrangements remain pending.