Kolkata Derby Kicks Off Durand Cup 2026 as East Bengal Face Mohun Bagan
The 135th Durand Cup began on Saturday with the much-anticipated Kolkata Derby, as East Bengal took on Mohun Bagan at the Salt Lake Stadium. The tournament, organised by the Indian Armed Forces, is the oldest existing football competition in Asia and marks the start of the domestic football season in India.
Just over two months ago, the same two sides played a thrilling match in the Indian Super League (ISL) that ended in a 1-1 draw. That result had significant implications for the ISL title race, with East Bengal eventually winning the league for the first time in 22 years. The match also showcased the passion and quality of Indian football at a time when questions were being raised about the sport's future in the country.
Mohun Bagan enter the Durand Cup as the most successful club in the tournament's history, having won it 17 times. East Bengal are close behind with 16 titles. NorthEast United FC are the defending champions, having defeated Diamond Harbour in last year's final.
East Bengal's new head coach, Antonio Lopez Habas, who previously coached Mohun Bagan, said there was no room for nostalgia. "We have to think about the present and the future, because the past is the past," Habas said. "I absolutely respect my trajectory in India, with my players and the fans. But now it's another job, another side, for professional life. I have to fight for my dream now."
Mohun Bagan's coach, Dilmperis, acknowledged the magnitude of the derby. "Starting with a derby against East Bengal is something that makes me feel excited, because this is the reason why football exists," he said. "Joining a club like Mohun Bagan, with this fan base, the owner, the history and huge expectations, creates for me not anxiety but big motivation."
The Durand Cup was first held in 1888 and is the fifth oldest national football competition in the world. This year's edition features 24 teams, including clubs from the Indian Super League, I-League, I-League 2, the Armed Forces, and Sri Lankan side Defenders FC.
The lineups for the match were as follows: East Bengal: Gill (gk), Anwar, Mandi, Jay, Chungnunga, Jeakson, Rohit, David, Danu, Bipin, Edmund. Mohun Bagan: Kaith (gk), Subhasish, Bheke, Mehtab, Tekcham, Apuia, Thapa, Sahal, Kiyan, Liston, Manvir.
