Mohun Bagan SG to meet NorthEast United FC in Durand Cup 2026 semifinal in Shillong

Mohun Bagan SG will face defending champions NorthEast United FC in the second semifinal of the 135th Durand Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the Scotland of East, Shillong on 20th August 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 pm IST. The match is a straight knockout that will decide one finalist for the tournament.

The two sides arrive at the semifinal off contrasting quarterfinal results: NorthEast United FC recovered to beat Shillong Lajong FC 2-5, while Mohun Bagan SG advanced only after prevailing in a penalty shootout against Jamshedpur FC. Mohun Bagan enter as the competition’s most decorated club with 17 Durand Cup titles and were last winners in 2023; NorthEast United are the reigning champions, having won the two most recent editions. Panagiotis Dilmperis is aiming to secure his first trophy with Mohun Bagan during the preseason ahead of the ISL 2026-27 campaign.

NorthEast United head into the game chasing a third consecutive Durand Cup crown. That pursuit will pit the Highlanders against Mohun Bagan, who will be seeking to stop the defending champions and earn a place in the final.

Sahal Abdul Samad has been central to Mohun Bagan’s Durand Cup campaign, registering 5 goals in the competition and contributing to the side’s creativity from attacking midfield while competing in the golden boot race. The preview noted Sahal’s current form as a key factor Mohun Bagan will rely on in the semifinal.

Eneko Satrustegui is highlighted as an important figure for NorthEast United, with the article noting he has spent most of his career in Spain and has LaLiga experience against teams such as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. The piece states Eneko is still adapting to conditions in India and will need to be at his best to counter Mohun Bagan’s attacking threats.

Mohun Bagan are reported to have a fully fit squad available for the semifinal, while NorthEast United are expected to have all their players training and available. The preview gives the match predictions as: Mohun Bagan SG wins – 10; NorthEast United FC wins – 2. The likely lineups listed are: Mohun Bagan SG — Vishal Kaith (GK), Abhishek Singh, Rahul Bheke, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, Lalengmawia Ralte, Deepak Tangri, Manvir Singh, Miguel Figueira, Dejan Drazic, Jamie Maclaren; NorthEast United FC — Gurmeet Singh (GK), Asheer Akhtar (C), Eneko, Rabeeh, Samte, Macarton, Maya, Moyano, Ajaraie, Ethyan, Jithin.

The Durand Cup 2026 semifinal between Mohun Bagan SG and NorthEast United FC will take place at JLN Stadium, Shillong on Thursday, 20th August 2026 with a 7:00 PM IST kick-off; the match will be livestreamed on Sony LIV and broadcast live on Sony Ten 2.