Shillong, Jul 3: Shillong Lajong FC and Nongkseh SSCC will face off in the first match of Group E in the Durand Cup 2026.
The fixtures for the tournament were released today by the organisers.
Group E matches will be held at the JN Stadium in Polo Ground here, with the opener on 31st July.
Apart from Lajong and Nongkseh, the other local side in the group are Langsning FC. Mumbay FC from Maharashtra are the fourth team.
Meanwhile, defending champions NorthEast United FC will be playing their games in Guwahati’s Group F.
They are joined by Bodoland FC, FC1 and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC. The Guwahati leg begins on 1st August with NorthEast United taking on Bodoland FC. (The full fixtures of all six groups can be found here.)
Following the conclusion of the league stage, the six group winners and the two best second-placed teams will advance to the knockout phase. The quarterfinals will commence on 16th August with the first match in Ranchi and the second in Kolkata, before the remaining two QFs are played on 17th August in Kolkata and Shillong.
The first semifinal will be staged at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on 19th August, while Shillong will host the second semi on 20th August. The tournament will culminate with the final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on 23rd August where the champions of the 135th Durand Cup will be crowned.
(File photo of Shillong Lajong and Nongkseh)
