Guwahati, August 19, 2026: The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup has reached its business end, with four teams left in the race for the prestigious title. The Semi Finals of the tournament are scheduled for 19th and 20th August.
East Bengal FC, SC Delhi, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and defending champions NorthEast United FC will battle for a place in Sunday’s final. The semi-finals promise two contrasting contests, with established giants facing ambitious challengers.
The first semi-final will see East Bengal FC take on SC Delhi at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday. East Bengal enter the contest with a strong defensive record. They have conceded only once in the tournament. Their quarter-final victory over Indian Army FT was secured by a 1-0 scoreline, with PV Vishnu scoring the decisive goal.
SC Delhi, meanwhile, have emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages. They produced an impressive comeback against FC Raengdai in the quarter-finals. Their attacking football has made them a dangerous opponent. East Bengal will need to be at their best to contain the Delhi side.
The second semi-final is set for Thursday in Shillong. NorthEast United FC will face 17-time Durand Cup winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The match will kick off at 7 pm.
NorthEast United arrive with huge momentum. The Highlanders produced one of the tournament’s biggest comebacks in the quarter-finals. They overturned a 2-1 half-time deficit to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2. Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a sensational hat-trick. The result sent the defending champions into their fourth straight semi-final.
Mohun Bagan also survived a dramatic quarter-final. They defeated Jamshedpur FC 9-8 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
The Kolkata giants will now face a confident NorthEast United side in what promises to be a thrilling battle. For the Highlanders, the target is clear: take another step towards an unprecedented third consecutive Durand Cup title.
The final is scheduled for August 23, with the two semi-finals set to decide who gets the chance to lift the historic trophy.
