Mohun Bagan SG, SC Delhi, FC Raengdai, NorthEast United & Indian Army FT book quarterfinals spot, three spots left
KOLKATA, August 12, 2026: As the group stage of the 135th edition of the prestigious IndianOil Durand Cup draws to a thrilling close, the race for the quarter-finals has reached a fever pitch.
With the final group stage fixtures concluding on August 13, 2026, the stage is almost set for the highly anticipated knockout rounds, which will commence on August 16.
Across 24 teams divided into six groups, five clubs have definitively proven their mettle and secured their places in the quarter-finals as group winners. However, fierce battles remain for the remaining automatic group winner spot in Group E, as well as the crucial, high-stakes race for the two best second-placed team slots.
Ahead of the final matchday, here is the official qualification scenario and current standings across all six groups of the Durand Cup 2026:
The Current Landscape
The Race for the “Best Second-Placed” Spots: Only the top two runners-up across all six groups will advance to the quarter-finals. The current standing of second-placed teams (or teams with matches remaining that can reach the 6-point benchmark) is as follows:
| Group | Club | Matches Played | Points | Goal Difference (GD) | Goals For (GF) | Status |
| A | East Bengal FC | 3 | 6 | +12 | 13 | Completed Group Stage |
| B | Samaleswari Sporting | 3 | 6 | +3 | 7 | Completed Group Stage |
| E | Langsning FC | 2 | 4 | +5 | 7 | 1 Match Remaining |
| C | Jamshedpur FC | 2 | 3 | +4 | 6 | 1 Match Remaining |
| C | Indian Air Force FT | 2 | 3 | -5 | 3 | 1 Match Remaining |
| F | Bodoland FC | 2 | 3 | -3 | 3 | 1 Match Remaining |
Note: This table reflects the teams mathematically capable of finishing second and competing for the wild card spots. Teams like East Bengal and Samaleswari set the current benchmark at 6 points.
Teams Already Qualified for Quarter-Finals:
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Group A Winner)
- Indian Army FT (Group B Winner)
- SC Delhi (Group C Winner)
- FC Raengdai (Group D Winner)
- NorthEast United FC (Group F Winner)
Teams Remaining in Contention (Group Winners & Best Runners-Up):
- Group A: East Bengal FC (Awaiting final runner-up standings)
- Group B: Samaleswari Sporting (Awaiting final runner-up standings)
- Group C: Jamshedpur FC, Indian Air Force FT (mathematical chance for 2nd)
- Group E: Shillong Lajong FC (Current Leader), Langsning FC
- Group F: Bodoland FC (mathematical chance for 2nd)
Teams Officially Eliminated:
- South United FC (Group A)
- CISF Protectors FT (Group A)
- Mohammedan Sporting Club (Group B)
- Baghpat FC (Group B)
- Defenders FC (Group C)
- TRAU FC (Group D)
- Indian Navy FT (Group D)
- Neroca FC (Group D)
- Nongkseh SS & CC (Group E)
- Mumbay FC (Group E)
- FC 1 (Group F)
- Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (Group F)
Group-by-Group Scenarios—
Group A: Mohun Bagan SG Dominates
Mohun Bagan Super Giant were the first team to punch their ticket to the knockout stage. With an unblemished record of three wins from three games, they finished top with 9 points and a stellar +15 Goal Difference (15 GF, 0 GA).
East Bengal FC sits second with 6 points and a formidable +12 GD (13 GF, 1 GA) after completing their fixtures. They must now wait to see if their record holds up as one of the two best runners-up across all groups; their massive goal difference currently makes them heavy favorites for a spot at the knockouts. South United FC and CISF Protectors FT have been eliminated.
Group B: Indian Army Advances
Indian Army FT has secured their passage to the quarter-finals. Winning all three of their group games, including a crucial final victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club, they finish top of the group with a perfect 9 points.
Samaleswari Sporting has completed their campaign, finishing in second place with 6 points (+3 GD, 7 GF), and remains in the hunt for a best runner-up spot. Mohammedan Sporting Club, despite a strong showing, has been eliminated following their final match defeat, joining Baghpat FC on the sidelines.
Group C: SC Delhi Conquers the ‘Group of Death’
In what was dubbed the ‘Group of Death’, debutants SC Delhi have stunned the competition, securing their quarter-final berth with a perfect 9 points and a massive +14 GD (16 GF, 2 GA).
Jamshedpur FC (3 points, +4 GD) and Indian Air Force FT (3 points, -5 GD) both have one game remaining. While the group is decided, Jamshedpur FC needs a massive victory in their final game to reach 6 points and boost their GD to challenge East Bengal or Samaleswari for a runner-up spot.
Indian Air Force FT mathematically can reach 6 points, but faces a near-impossible task of overturning a -5 GD. Defenders FC has been eliminated.
Group D: FC Raengdai Advances
FC Raengdai has officially written their name into the quarter-final bracket after securing two consecutive victories earlier in the group stage. They have locked down the primary spot from Group D as no remaining teams can catch them in points.
TRAU FC finished with 4 points, eliminating them from the best runners-up race. Indian Navy FT (3 points) and Neroca FC (1 point) are also eliminated.
Group E: Shillong Derby to Decide It All The battle for Group E will be decided in a thrilling Shillong Derby. Shillong Lajong FC currently sits top with 6 points from two matches and a dominant +7 GD (7 GF, 0 GA).
They will face local rivals Langsning FC (4 points, +5 GD) directly in their final, decisive match. A win or draw for Lajong secures the group. However, a win for Langsning would push them to 7 points, guaranteeing them the group win.
Nongkseh SS & CC (4 points) and Mumbay FC (0 points) have completed their campaigns and are officially eliminated.
Group F: Defending Champions Sail Through Reigning Durand Cup Champions NorthEast United FC have seamlessly progressed to the knockout rounds, completing their three group games with a perfect 9 points and a +10 GD (12 GF, 2 GA) to officially book their quarter-final ticket.
Bodoland FC (3 points, -3 GD) still has one game remaining, but they must win by a massive margin to reach 6 points and overcome their negative GD to even enter the conversation for a runner-up spot.
FC 1 (3 points) and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (0 points) have completed their matches and are officially eliminated.
The final whistle of the group stages on August 13 will confirm the complete lineup for the quarter-finals. Fans can expect high-octane football as the remaining teams fight tooth and nail for the final tickets to the knockout rounds starting August 16.
