The 135th Durand Cup will commence on July 25 and the biggest talking point is already there before a ball is kicked. Kolkata arch-rivals East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been drawn together in Group A, along with South United FC and CISF Protectors, setting up an early-season derby.
The last time these two giants were in the same group was back in 2024 but that match was cancelled due to the RG Kar protests in Kolkata. The two teams last met in the Durand Cup group stage was back in 2023 when East Bengal under Carles Cuadrat ended a long winless run in the derby before Mohun Bagan Super Giant got their revenge by winning the final to lift a record-extending 17th Durand Cup title.
But the preparations have not been smooth for either club. Mohun Bagan Super Giant are still waiting to get the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the AIFF, which is holding up the registration of foreign players Jamie Maclaren, Samir, Alberto and Robson. The delay could affect their availability with visa processing taking at least seven to ten days, even with the club’s tentative July 10 pre-season start date. There is also uncertainty over how many foreign players will be allowed in the upcoming ISL season, which has held up Miguel’s signing. East Bengal is also facing the same issue with registration due to visa issues.
The tournament starts from July 25 which will go on till August 23 across Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong and Guwahati, with the final scheduled at Salt Lake Stadium.
The 24 teams participating in the 135th edition of the Durand Cup include Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, South United FC, CISF Protectors, Indian Army, Baghpat FC, Samaleswari Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Sporting Club Delhi, Indian Air Force, Defenders FC (Sri Lanka), TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, Indian Navy, FC Raengdai, Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh Sports, Social & Cultural Club, Langsning FC, Mumbay FC, NorthEast United FC, FC1 (J&K and Ladakh), Bodoland FC and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC.
With ISL giants, Services teams, ambitious lower division clubs and overseas participation all in the mix, the Durand Cup once again promises a month of high-quality football, with Kolkata remaining at the heart of India’s oldest football tournament.
The post Kolkata derby headlines Durand Cup 2026 as clubs race against time over foreign player registration appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
