Punjab FC thrash Calcutta Customs 7-0 to move into IFA Shield 2026 knockouts
Punjab FC routed Calcutta Customs FC 7-0 in an IFA Shield 2026 Group B game, a result reported on 27 September 2026 that sealed Punjab’s place in the tournament’s knockout phase. The victory was achieved in the Sher’s maiden Shield tie and came as Indian Super League clubs continued to dominate the competition.
The Indian Football Association has scheduled the knockouts for 4th October, 2026, according to the fixture list released by Bengal football’s governing body, and four ISL sides have progressed from the group stage. Punjab’s win was emphatic and notable for the contribution of new signing Raphaël Messi Bouli, while other ISL and Durand Cup participants remain in contention across the groups.
Raphaël Messi Bouli completed a hat-trick for Punjab, scoring in the 5th, 8th and 44th minutes, having joined the Shers from Jamshedpur FC ahead of the new season. Additional goals came from Alfred Planas Moya, who arrived from Inter Kashi FC, and from Sanathoi, Bishu Sharma and Gurkirat Singh, taking the final scoreline to 7-0.
The win confirmed Punjab FC’s qualification from Group B; the article states they secured their knockout spot "along with the Red & Gold side" and later names East Bengal FC as the other qualifier from the group. Calcutta Customs FC were eliminated after back-to-back defeats in Group B and had entered the competition replacing Mohammedan SC.
In Group A, Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC have booked semi-final berths, with Sreenidi Deccan FC having played both of their group fixtures and being knocked out after defeat to NorthEast United FC. The report also notes, "After failing to win their second consecutive game in the prestigious tournament, Antonio Rueda’s side bowed out of the competition as Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC have qualified for the semi-finals, which will take place on 4th September, 2026."
One remaining Group A fixture will see Mohun Bagan host the Highlanders at the Mohun Bagan Ground on 29th September, 2026 at 14:30 IST; the two sides meet after the Durand Cup 2026, "where the Mariners defeated Pedro Benali’s side," according to the source. Group B has one match left as well: the ISL 2025-26 and Durand Cup 2026 champions are scheduled to face Punjab FC at the East Bengal FC Ground on 30th September, 2026 at 14:30 IST.
With the group phase concluding and the reported knockout dates set, the confirmed upcoming fixtures are Mohun Bagan versus the Highlanders on 29th September, 2026 (Mohun Bagan Ground, 14:30 IST) and the match between the ISL 2025-26/Durand Cup 2026 champions and Punjab FC on 30th September, 2026 (East Bengal FC Ground, 14:30 IST), ahead of the knockout stage scheduled by the IFA.