Mohun Bagan v East Bengal: IFA Shield 2026 final at Salt Lake Stadium on October 8

Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will meet in the final of the 2026 IFA Shield at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday, 8 October 2026, in a high-profile Kolkata derby.

Both clubs arrive seeking momentum ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season and to close out the IFA Shield on a high note; Mohun Bagan advanced after a gritty penalty shootout win over Punjab FC in which Vishal Kaith produced key saves, while East Bengal enter on the back of a 7-2 victory over NorthEast United FC and having beaten Mohun Bagan in the 2026 Durand Cup final. Mohun Bagan coach Panagiotis Dilmperis is expected to urge his side to remain compact defensively and to take the initiative in attack, and East Bengal boss Antonio Habas, described in media coverage as eager to get the better of his former side, has stressed rapid transitions and clinical finishing. A repeat cup-final defeat for either club would carry added significance given the recent meetings between the rivals.

Tactical previews published before the match note Mohun Bagan will aim to maintain a strong defensive shape to blunt East Bengal’s forward threats while attempting quick, incisive attacking moves; Dilmperis will press his players to be fearless rather than passive. Habas has said his priority is for East Bengal to be defensively secure enough to handle Mohun Bagan’s attack and to move the ball swiftly into attacking positions, mirroring the approach that produced their 7-2 win in the last outing.

Squad updates indicate Mohun Bagan should field the same group that faced Punjab FC, with players who were called up for India duty expected to rejoin the squad but considered doubtful to start the final. East Bengal are reported to have all players from their previous match available, though Anwar Ali and Prabhsukhan Gill are listed as doubtful after featuring in India’s recent matches.

Match probability figures circulated ahead of the game list Mohun Bagan wins – 135 and East Bengal wins – 145. Media outlets also published predicted lineups for both teams in a 4-2-3-1 shape: Mohun Bagan Predicted XI (4-2-3-1) Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Rahul Bheke, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, Deepak Tangri, Samir Zeljkovic, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Miguel Figueira, Liston Colaco, Lee Erwin. East Bengal Predicted XI (4-2-3-1) Phurba Lachenpa (GK), Hardik Bhatt, Lalchungnunga, David Zivulic, Sandip Mandi, Jeakson Singh, Mohamad Rashid, Dani Ramirez, Bipin Singh, PV Vishnu, David Lalhlansanga.

The IFA Shield 2026 final kicks off at 6 PM IST on Thursday, 8 October 2026 at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, and will be available to watch on the FanCode app. For continuous pre-match updates and coverage, follow the publisher’s social channels and mobile apps as listed in the original match preview.