Twenty four teams. Six groups. One month of football that kicks off the entire Indian domestic season. If you’ve been searching for a single place that lays out the Durand Cup 2026 groups and squads without digging through a dozen club pages, this is it.
From Mohun Bagan and East Bengal reigniting Kolkata’s oldest rivalry to four Durand Cup debutants finding their feet, here’s everything sorted by group, with full squad details for each side.
Durand Cup 2026 Groups Full Breakdown
Before anything else, here’s how the draw shook out. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have landed in the same group, which means the Kolkata Derby kicks the tournament off.
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohun Bagan | Mohammedan SC | Jamshedpur FC | TRAU | Shillong Lajong | NorthEast United |
| East Bengal | Baghpat FC | Sporting Club Delhi | NEROCA | Nongkseh SS&CC | FC1 (J&K and Ladakh) |
| CISF Protectors | Indian Army | Indian Air Force | Indian Navy | Langsning FC | Bodoland FC |
| South United | Samaleswari SC | Defenders FC (Sri Lanka) | FC Raengdai | Mumbay FC | Karbi Anglong Morning Star |
(Source: Durand Cup)
Group A Durand Cup 2026 Squads
Group A carries the tournament’s biggest storyline before a ball is even kicked, purely because of who’s in it.
Mohun Bagan Squad
Mohun Bagan enter as the most successful club in Durand Cup history and will be chasing an 18th title, now under new head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis. With ISL quality running through the XI, they’re the team every other side in the group has to plan around.
Mohun Bagan squads: Vishal Kaith, Syed Zahid, Priyansh Dubey (goalkeepers), Samir Zeljkovic, Mehtab Singh, Alberto Rodríguez, Alex Saji, Subhasish Bose, Asish Rai, Rahul Bheke (defenders), Deepak Tangri, Miguel Figueira, Apuia, Anirudh Thapa, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Sahal Abdul Samad (midfielders), Dejan Drazic, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Jamie Maclaren, Kiyan Nassiri, Lallianzuala Chhangte (forwards).
East Bengal FC Squad
East Bengal will be desperate to close the gap on their rivals, and Antonio Lopez Habas takes charge of a squad blending Indian regulars with returning foreign faces.
East Bengal FC squads: Prabhsukhan Gill, Phurba Lachenpa, Gourab Shaw (goalkeepers), Anwar Ali, Lalchungnunga, Mohammad Rakip, Martand Raina, Nacho Monsalve, Jay Gupta (defenders), Edmund Lalrindika, Souvik Chakrabarti, Jeakson Singh, Mohammed Rashid, Dani Ramírez (midfielders), David Lalhlansanga, Jesin TK, PV Vishnu, Bipin Singh (forwards).
CISF Protectors Squad
The CISF Protectors represent the Central Industrial Security Force under head coach Shehzad Khan, and bring a squad built around discipline and physicality rather than marquee names.
CISF Protectors squads: Raj Mahato, Masum Ali (goalkeepers), Mohammad Khalid, Manraj Singh, Sahil Kumar, Rahul Aswal, Karamjeet Singh (defenders), Vasu Kanojiya, Thangminlien Haokip, Gurpal Singh, Damanpreet Singh (midfielders), Rajdeep Singh, Bhola Singh, Jatinder Kumar (forwards).
South United FC Squad
South United FC, coached by Kaja Mohideen Bhadussa, arrive with a young Indian core drawn largely from their academy setup and just a couple of foreign faces to lean on.
South United FC squads: Nishanth N, Sunil Singh, Khulakpam Saroj (goalkeepers), Rishik Shetty, Nygil Mathew, Rowan James, Noel S (defenders), Prajwal Gowda, Satminlun Khongsai, Francis Xavier, Rithish R (midfielders), Nirupam Gowda, Md Altab Hussain, Mustafa Shaikh, Chungkham Jackson (forwards).
(Source: Transfermarkt)
Group B Durand Cup 2026 Team News
Group B doesn’t have the same star power as Group A, but it’s arguably more open, with two Armed Forces sides in the mix.
Mohammedan SC Squad
They head into this Durand Cup with an entirely Indian roster, coached by Mehrajuddin Wadoo, with responsibility shared across a settled squad from last season.
Mohammedan SC squads: Nikhil Deka, Shubhadip Pandit, Subhajit Bhattacharjee (goalkeepers), Dinesh Meitei, Jewel Ahmed, Joseph Lalmuanawma, Hira Mondal, Sajad Parray (defenders), Lalngaihsaka, Yash Chickro, Tangva Ragui, Jeremy Laldinpuia, Mahitosh Roy (midfielders), Lalremsanga, Lalthankima, Thokchom Singh, Maharabam Maxion, Israfil Dewan (forwards).
Indian Army Squad
The Indian Army side is drawn from serving personnel across regiments, coached by Antony Ramesh, with physical conditioning tending to be their biggest advantage.
Indian Army squads: Bhabindra Thakuri, Sayad Bin Abdul Kadir (goalkeepers), Shafeel PP, Zothanpuia, Sunil B, Pardeep Singh, Umesh Tirkey (defenders), Christopher Kamei, H Lalhmingchhuanga, Shubham Rana, Bidhyasagar Singh (midfielders), Liton Shil, Abhishek Shankar Powar, Saikhom Borish Singh (forwards).
Baghpat FC Squad
Baghpat FC, also known as Banaras Baghpat, arrive fresh off winning the I League 3 title under head coach Vivek Singh, and want to make an early impression as one of four debutants.
Baghpat FC squads: Ayan Bhattacharya, Priyojit, Sudhanshu Ranjan (goalkeepers), Chandan Yadav, Om Motghare, Aribam Brajamani, Rohit Saibya, Hiti Seb (defenders), Kinesh Singh, Aryan Amla, Jobin JB, Rohen Singh, Atharva Tiwari (midfielders), Piyush Sikarwar, Rishi Pukhrambam, Sourav Biswas, Crispin Cleetus (forwards).
Samaleswari SC Squad
Samaleswari SC, the Sambalpur based club from Odisha, are coached by Abdul Azim Siddique and remain one of the lesser known names in the draw, though they shouldn’t be written off lightly.
Samaleswari SC squads: Debnath Mondol, Aaryan Saroha, Rahul Oram (goalkeepers), Joseph Adjei, Aubin Kouakou, Shahid Nazir, Manjit Sharma, Robin Chettri (defenders), Basit Bhat, Armand Bazie, Rehman Khan, Haridas Yumnam (midfielders), Rashid M, Rayhaan Jamil, Nowang Sherpa, Gnohere Krizo (forwards).
(Source: Transfermarkt)
Group C Durand Cup 2026 Fixtures Preview
Group C is the one to watch for anyone curious about Defenders FC, the Sri Lankan side making their tournament debut.
Jamshedpur FC Squad
They bring genuine ISL quality into this Durand Cup under head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla, with experienced international defenders and a settled attacking unit.
Jamshedpur FC squads: Albino Gomes, Amrit Gope, Ritrabrata Sarkar (goalkeepers), Pratik Chaudhari, Sarthak Golui, Stephen Eze, Lazar Cirkovic, Provat Lakra (defenders), Germanpreet Singh, Rei Tachikawa, Pronay Halder, Nikola Stojanovic, Mark Zothanpuia (midfielders), Manvir Singh, Mohammed Sanan, Sreekuttan VS, Devendra Murgaonkar (forwards).
Indian Air Force Squad
The IAF FT squad, now under head coach Priyadharshan, blends young service personnel drawn from across the country, with organisation and effort as the priority over individual flair.
Indian Air Force squads: Subhajit Basu, Dinesh, Lovepreet Singh (goalkeepers), Jashanjot Singh, Jijo Jerone, Mohd Aqib, Harsh Chhimwal (defenders), Mohammad Danish, Ashok Kumar, Samuel K Vanlalpeka, Amarnath, Alkesh AS (midfielders), Puneet Singh, Yashraj Singh, Aman Khan (forwards).
Defenders FC Squad
Defenders FC, drawn largely from the Sri Lanka Army and coached by CP Wanigasooriya, are among the four sides making their Durand Cup debut this year.
Defenders FC squads: H M Haleemishak, TS Priyashan (goalkeepers), Sampath Kumara, MGH Ishan, KDS Sankalpa, SM Ashik (defenders), RMSAB Rathnayaka, Madushan, S Dhanushan, K Rameshwaram (midfielders), Sountharaj Aravinraj, NM Aflal, KS Sandaras (forwards).
Sporting Club Delhi Squad
Sporting Club Delhi field a mixed squad of experienced campaigners and academy graduates, coached by Tomasz Tchorz with an emphasis on quick transitions.
Sporting Club Delhi squads: Nora Fernandes, Vishal Yadav, Tajamul Islam (goalkeepers), Duván Viáfara, Lamgoulen Hangshing, Mohammed Kaif, Clarence Fernandes, Sanatomba Singh (defenders), David Richard Ndayishimiye, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Augustine Lalrochana, Ayush Adhikari (midfielders), Joseph Sunny, Ramhlunchhunga, Alan Saji, Victor Britto (forwards).
(Source: Transfermarkt)
Group D Durand Cup 2026 Squad List
Group D is the northeast heavy pool, played out of Imphal, and features two more Armed Forces sides alongside TRAU and NEROCA.
FC Raengdai Squad
FC Raengdai earned promotion after a strong I League 3 campaign and arrive under head coach Birbal Singh as one of the tournament’s four debutants.
FC Raengdai squads: Reijipou Gangmei, Suraj Singh, Kamei Pantiga (goalkeepers), Thoungamba Singh, Rojen Meitei, Keiphaba Meitei, Naresh Singh, Sendy Mangte (defenders), Nani Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Kishan Singh, Basanta Singh (midfielders), Gaisuangmei Kamei, Midul Doley, Gailalung Gonmei, Amarjit Singh (forwards).
Indian Navy Squad
The Indian Navy side, coached by Akash Kamble, field a squad made up entirely of serving domestic players and open Group D away from home against FC Raengdai.
Indian Navy squads: Bhaskar Roy, Velutha Vishnu, Niraj Kumar (goalkeepers), Abhishek Joshy, Vivekananda Sagayraj, Gopal Tiwari, Brijesh Giri, Maibam Singh (defenders), Jijo F, Vijay J, Muhammad Inayath, Navjot Singh, Pradeesh C (midfielders), Sreyas VG, Sadananda Singh, Roshan Panna, Zahir Khan (forwards).
TRAU Squad
TRAU have built a squad almost entirely from Manipuri talent under head coach Thangjam Saran Singh, a pattern that’s become their identity in recent seasons.
TRAU squads: Sapam Singh, Sangit Singh, Marguf Alam (goalkeepers), Raj Singh, Rakesh Singh, Akash Meetei, Seila Toure, Sanathoi Meitei (defenders), Unise K, Ronaldo Wairokpam, Sohaib Khan, Aimso Chithung, Rogers Adriko (midfielders), Diya Singh, Afridi Buyamayum, Boyai Singh, Nelson Singh (forwards).
NEROCA Squad
NEROCA are another Manipur based outfit with genuine Durand Cup pedigree, now led by head coach Raju Yumnam and a deep squad that has gone far in past editions.
NEROCA squads: Penand Singh, Naorem Kiranjit Singh, Thounaojam Indrasen (goalkeepers), Zidan Singh, Abhinash Singh, Ben Nash Quansah, Mohamed Diouf, Hijam Rohit (defenders), Sushil Singh, Sibajit Singh, Renedy Meitei, Arsan Sarangthem (midfielders), Rajkumar Singh, Shadrach Lantei Mills, Imarson Meitei, Chabungbam Linky Meitei (forwards).
(Source: Transfermarkt)
Group E Durand Cup 2026 Teams Overview
Group E is played out of Shillong, and the biggest update in this group is that both Langsning FC and Mumbay FC now have confirmed squads.
Shillong Lajong FC Squad
Shillong Lajong FC field a fully Indian roster captained by Kenstar Kharshong and coached by Birendra Thapa, and they’ll fancy their chances of topping this group at home.
Shillong Lajong FC squads: Siwel Rymbai, Ranit Sarkar, Lakpa Lama (goalkeepers), Kenstar Kharshong, Kitboklang Khyriem, Ephraim Lalremtluanga, Arthur Pangaro, Joedson Dos Santos (defenders), Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Gladdy Kharbuli, Abelson Jachi, Bless Vashum (midfielders), Everbrighton Sana, Phrangki Buam, Figo Syndai, João Victor de Paula (forwards).
Langsning Football Club Squad
Langsning FC’s squad had gone unreleased for weeks, but their full roster is now confirmed ahead of the group stage.
Langsning FC squads: Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Wallambok Dkhar, Nister Roy, Lalamlang Biam (goalkeepers), Allen Camper Nongbri, Rituraj Boruah, Apborlang Kurbah, Lukas Syngkli, Wansan Nongkhlaw (defenders), Mebanshngain Kurkalang, Richie Kharbani, Alex Manar, Samuel Kynshi, Chusrang Sangma (midfielders), Rohan Manar, Monush Lapang, Syed Ahmed, Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, Samuel Phawa (forwards).
Mumbay FC Squad
Mumbay FC are one of the four debutants at this year’s Durand Cup, and their squad has just been confirmed, including a notable name in Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff among the forwards.
Mumbay FC squads: Jebishan L, Yasheel Shah (goalkeepers), Azhar Delhiwala, Arun Nagial, Faiz Khan, Bipin Rawat, Abhay Chhetri (defenders), Dhruvmil Pandya, Mohamed Musharaf, Shreyas Vatekar, Rohit Mirza, Lallawmkima (midfielders), Saurabh Nikam, Azfar Noorani, Pratik Jadhav, Mandeep Singh, Dwight Dabreo, Tiger Shroff (forwards).
Nongkseh SS&CC Squad
They arrive on the back of winning the Meghalaya State League and securing promotion, now under head coach Joseph Naik.
Nongkseh SS&CC squads: Babitlang Wahlang, Daraphun Talang, Guidle Syiemlieh (goalkeepers), Kynsailang Khongsit, Banskhemlang Mawlong, Baiaikara Swer, Arlangky Nongsiej (defenders), Kynsaibor Lhuid, Mickyson Tangsong, Sheen Sohktung, Hardy Nongbri (midfielders), Carlos Challam, Chesterpoul Lyngdoh, Skilful Tariang, Shano Tariang (forwards).
(Source: Durand Cup)
Group F Durand Cup 2026 Defending Champions
Group F is where holders NorthEast United begin their title defence, and it’s arguably the most balanced group on paper outside of Group A.
NorthEast United Squad
NorthEast United enter as defending champions after lifting the 2025 title, now under new head coach Juan Pedro Benali, and remain one of the favourites again.
NorthEast United squads: Gurmeet Singh, Dipesh Chauhan, Mohanraj K (goalkeepers), Dinesh Singh, Tondonba Singh, Buanthanglun Samte, Asheer Akhtar, Eneko Satrústegui (defenders), Mayakkannan Muthu, Louis Nickson, Bekey Oram, Mohammed Arshaf, Antonio Moyano (midfielders), Jithin MS, Ankith Padmanabhan, Ethyan González, Parthib Gogoi, Alaaeddine Ajaraie (forwards).
FC1 Kashmir Squad
FC1, representing Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, is a youth development focused club without a fixed public roster, though a matchday squad has now been named under head coach Khalid Qayoom.
FC1 Kashmir squads: Nirdosh Sagotra, Aftab Ashraf (goalkeepers), Sahil Mushtaq, Ikhlaq Fayaz, Zahid Yousif, Salman Lateef (defenders), Ahmad Dar, Shakir Sheikh, Abrar Ali Baba, Talib Sheikh (midfielders), Hayat Bashir, Aafreen Basharat, Farhan Fayaz, Aayan Bilal (forwards).
Bodoland FC Squad
Bodoland FC have strengthened notably this season, bringing in veteran forward Halicharan Narzary and foreign signing Robinson Blandón, now under head coach Vikash Panthi.
Bodoland FC squads: Gachuiwo Tara, Birkhang Daimary (goalkeepers), Pwilao Brahma, Subham Sarangi, Manabir Basumatary, Norberto Emous, Maneshwar Mushahary (defenders), Rituraj Mohan, Danial Daimary, Timothi Narzary, Khanswrang Brahma (midfielders), Aron Thapa, Gwgwmsar Gayary, Halicharan Narzary, Robinson Blandón (forwards).
Karbi Anglong Morning Star Squad
Karbi Anglong Morning Star round out Group F under head coach C A Laldinsang Pudaite, with a squad built around Assamese and international talent alike.
Karbi Anglong Morning Star squads: Jaspreet Singh, Muhammed Murshid, Rishab Ansari (goalkeepers), Paogumang Singson, Rohit Meitei, Victor Kamhuka, Harbamon Timung (defenders), Junior Onguene, Vikash Singh, Victor Ogheneochuko, Jirjar Terang (midfielders), Lalpekhlua, Taison, Calvin Songate, Vidal Chissano (forwards).
(Source: Transfermarkt)
Mohun Bagan and East Bengal Kick Off Durand Cup 2026 in Kolkata on July 25
That’s the full picture heading into the 135th Durand Cup, with head coaches now confirmed across every team and squads finally locked in for Langsning FC and Mumbay FC, whose roster includes Tiger Shroff. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal kick things off in Kolkata on July 25, and from there the tournament fans out across five cities before returning to the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan for the final on August 23. FootballMint will keep updating squad details as clubs confirm any further changes.
