Kolkata: The 135th Durand Cup reaches its ultimate climax on 23 August 2026, as fierce city rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC clash in a historic Kolkata Derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Beyond intense local bragging rights, the upcoming final presents a direct battle for all-time tournament supremacy. Mohun Bagan currently sit atop the Durand Cup honour board with an unprecedented 17 titles. A green-and-maroon triumph on Sunday would extend their lead to 18, creating a two-title cushion. However, East Bengal follow closely behind with 16 championships. A red-and-gold victory would equalise the all-time record at 17, firmly re-establishing historical parity between the two giants.
Both clubs navigated incredibly tense semi-final fixtures, with each requiring penalty shootouts to secure their place in the grand finale. East Bengal booked their ticket after edging past Sporting Club Delhi 5–3 on penalties. Following a tightly contested 0–0 draw in regulation time, goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill emerged as the hero for the Red and Gold Brigade. Gill saved a penalty during the first half and then denied Juan Sebastian Peña in the shootout, paving the way for East Bengal to flawlessly convert all five of their spot-kicks.
Mohun Bagan’s route to the final mirrored their rivals’ dramatic progression. The Mariners overcame defending champions NorthEast United FC 4–3 in a penalty shootout after 90 goalless minutes in Shillong. Once again, it was a goalkeeper who stole the spotlight. Vishal Kaith produced a stunning double save in the decisive shootout, denying NorthEast United’s Robin Yadav and Parthib Gogoi to swing the result decisively in Mohun Bagan’s favour.
Vishal Kaith has kept four clean sheets at the 2026 Durand Cup, the most for any goalkeeper in the competition.
The last Durand Cup final between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan happened in 2023, which Mohun Bagan won by a 1-0 margin.
With both sides demonstrating immense defensive resilience and nerve from the penalty spot, the stage is set for a blockbuster final. A capacity crowd is expected at the Salt Lake Stadium as Indian football fans prepare to witness whether Mohun Bagan can solidify their legacy as the tournament’s undisputed kings, or if East Bengal will rise to the occasion and match the historic 17-title benchmark.
East Bengal’s new coach, Antonio Lopez Habas, who previously guided Mohun Bagan to numerous Derby victories during his extended spell with the club, has stressed the importance of discipline despite the magnitude of the occasion.
“The Kolkata Derby is a uniquely special match in India, but we have to approach it like any other game,” Habas said. “You simply need to control your emotions for the full 90 minutes,” said Habas, adding, “the team that plays with more intelligence on the pitch will win the match.”
Mohun Bagan has also begun the season under a new coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, and is adapting to the methods of the Greek strategist. The Mariners have emerged as an attacking side without compromising their defensive solidity, with Sahal becoming a key figure in their offensive plans. His five goals include the winner in the opening Derby and a hat-trick against CISF Protectors.
Dilmperis has demanded greater control in possession while ensuring that his side retains its defensive shape. Mohun Bagan’s group-stage record – three wins, 15 goals scored, and none conceded – reflects a team willing to commit numbers forward while maintaining its structure in the defensive third.
The Mohun Bagan head coach also believes the mental aspect of the contest could prove decisive. “East Bengal has undeniable quality and experience, but we are looking to finish this game in 90 minutes. We have a lot of experience in our squad, but in a match like this, experience alone is not enough. If you don’t play with passion, it becomes a problem,” Dilmperis said. “These games are won in the mental battle, and tomorrow we have to master our emotions to get the win,” he added.
The final promises to be another chapter in one of Indian football’s oldest and most enduring sporting rivalries. This will be the 13th Durand Cup final meeting between the two Kolkata giants. They have won five finals apiece, while two other encounters ended with the teams being declared joint winners.
Team News –
East Bengal :
PV Vishnu, Danish Farooq and Nacho Monsalve will not feature due to injuries.
Mohun Bagan –
Dezan Drazic is not fully fit and is doubtful having missed semi final against NorthEast United FC.
Predicted Lineups
East Bengal:
Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Hardik Bhatt, Anwar Ali, Sandip Mandi, Jay Gupta, Mohamad Basim Rashid, Jeakson Singh, Dani Ramirez, Bipin Singh, Chris Ikonomidis, Jesin TK.
Mohun Bagan:
Vishal Kaith (GK), Abhishek Singh, Rahul Bheke, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, Lalengmawia Ralte, Samir Zeljkovic, Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Jamie Maclaren.
Head to Head in Durand Cup –
Total Matches : 24
East Bengal : 10
Mohun Bagan SG won : 9
Draw : 5.
Venue –
Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Kriangan, Kolkata.
Time –
5 PM IST.
Where to Watch East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Durand Cup 2026 final live in India?
Live streaming of the East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Durand Cup 2026 final will be available on Sony LIV. The Durand Cup final will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network.
