Guwahati, June 16: The 134th edition of the iconic Durand Cup is all set to return this year with matches scheduled from July 22 to August 24, 2025. Organised by the Indian Armed Forces in association with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the tournament will span five Indian states — West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Jharkhand — marking a major expansion of its geographical footprint.
Touted as the curtain-raiser of the Indian football season, the Durand Cup remains Asia’s oldest football tournament, steeped in legacy since its inception in 1888. This year’s edition will feature top-tier Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, I-League teams, and armed forces squads, along with potential participation from international youth or guest sides.
The group stage will run till August 15, followed by knockout matches, with the grand finale scheduled for August 24.
Key venues include:
- Kolkata: Salt Lake Stadium, Kishore Bharati Krirangan
- Kokrajhar (Assam): SAI Stadium
- Shillong: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
- Imphal: Khuman Lampak Stadium
- Jamshedpur: JRD Tata Sports Complex
Northeast United FC, winners of the 2024 edition, will return as defending champions. The tournament is also expected to feature crowd favourites like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Bengaluru FC, and Mumbai City FC, setting the stage for high-voltage clashes and regional derbies, particularly in football-loving regions like Manipur and Assam.
The Durand Cup 2025 continues to serve as a vital platform for clubs to test their squads ahead of the domestic season, while simultaneously nurturing emerging talent.
Match schedules, group draws, and broadcast details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
