As the 135th edition reaches its climax, Kolkata and Shillong host two blockbusters to determine the final semi-finalists.

Kolkata: The 135th edition of the Durand Cup reaches a dramatic crescendo on Monday, 17 August 2026, as Kolkata and Shillong host the remaining two quarter-final ties. In Quarter-Final 3, 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant face Jamshedpur FC at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. Later in Quarter-Final 4, two-time defending champions NorthEast United FC collide with regional rivals Shillong Lajong FC in an explosive North-Eastern derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Mohun Bagan Target Semi-Final Spot in Kolkata
Mohun Bagan Super Giant enter Quarter-Final 3 as heavy favourites following an immaculate Group A campaign. The Mariners swept their group with three victories, scoring 15 goals without conceding once, highlighted by clean-sheet wins over East Bengal FC, South United FC, and CISF Protectors. Kick-off is set for 4:00 PM IST at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where the Mariners will rely on their home advantage to dismantle Jamshedpur’s setup.
Jamshedpur FC Seek Upset Against Group A Winners
Jamshedpur FC earned their quarter-final berth as one of the best second-placed teams across the group stage. Jamshedpur secured six points with an impressive plus-10 goal difference in Group C, registering convincing victories over Defenders FC and Indian Air Force FT. Although a narrow setback against SC Delhi prevented them from topping their group, Jamshedpur’s attack possesses the firepower required to test Mohun Bagan’s unblemished defensive record.
Two-Time Champions NorthEast United Head to Shillong
Quarter-Final 4 shifts the spotlight to Shillong for a 7:00 PM IST kick-off between NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC. NorthEast United enter the fixture on a 15-match unbeaten streak in the Durand Cup, having captured the trophy in both 2024 and 2025. The Highlanders dominated Group F with three consecutive wins, plundering 13 goals across commanding performances against Bodoland FC, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, and FC 1 Kashmir as they pursue a historic third straight title.
Shillong Lajong Depend on Home Crowd Advantage
Looking to halt the champions' dominant run are Shillong Lajong FC, who topped Group E with seven points. Lajong’s path featured wins over Nongkseh SS&CC and Mumbay FC alongside a thrilling 3–3 draw against Langsning FC. Supported by a passionate home crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Lajong aim to overturn a difficult recent head-to-head record against NorthEast United and secure a memorable semi-final spot.
Published: 17 Aug 2026, 03:40 pm IST
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