NorthEast United v FC 1: Durand Cup 2026 Group F preview in Guwahati
NorthEast United FC meet FC 1 at the IGA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, 11th August 2026 in the final Group F fixture of the Durand Cup 2026, with kick-off at 4:00 PM IST; NorthEast United have already secured a place in the playoffs.
Defending champions NorthEast United arrive on the back of two wins and 10 goals from their opening two group matches under coach Juan Pedro Benali, while FC 1 occupy third place in Group F and face slim prospects of advancing to the knockout rounds. The Highlanders can use the match to finalise preparations for the playoffs, whereas FC 1 will seek a positive result to build confidence and gain experience against a top-tier opponent.
For NorthEast United the fixture offers an opportunity to integrate recent signings and assess combinations: Ethyan and Eneko, who made their debuts in the previous match, are candidates for additional minutes and Nikola could be handed his first appearance. Benali has already experimented with youngsters and different lineups during the tournament, and a strong win would provide further match practice ahead of the knockout phase.
FC 1 are expected to field a strong side with all players available for selection, aiming to make the most of the exposure against the Highlanders. Hayat Bashir, FC 1’s number 11, scored in his side’s 2-1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Stars and brings experience from his previous spell at Real Kashmir in the IFL; the winger’s ability to take on defenders and his decisiveness on the left flank are highlighted as key assets.
Ethyan Gonzalez impressed on his debut for NorthEast United after coming on in the second half against Karbi Anglong Morning Stars, scoring a counter-attacking goal and showing control and shooting accuracy inside the opponent’s penalty area; the report compares his profile to Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez. The Highlanders will rely on his goal threat in the remaining group fixture and FC 1 are warned to remain vigilant whenever he features.
Both clubs report full availability among their squads with NorthEast United’s latest foreign recruits expected to receive game time and FC 1 ready to select from a complete roster. Probable XIs listed are: Gurmeet Singh (GK), Asheer Akhtar, Eneko, Rabeeh, Samte, Macarton, Ashraf, Moyano, Ajaraie, Ethyan, Parthib for NorthEast United; and Aftab (GK), Abdul, Tetty, Ikhlaq, Salman, Farhan, Mousa, Huzafah, Aafreen, Hayat, Shakir for FC 1. Entry to the match is free and the game will be livestreamed on Sony LIV and broadcast live on Sony Ten 2.
The fixture concludes Group F and will determine final group placings with NorthEast United already through to the Durand Cup playoffs; FC 1’s hopes of qualification remain slim heading into the 4:00 PM IST kick-off on Tuesday, 11th August 2026 at the IGA Stadium in Guwahati.
