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 July 31.
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 August 1 with NorthEast United taking on Bodoland FC.
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 August 16 with the first match in Ranchi and the second in Kolkata, before the remaining two QFs are played on August 17 in Kolkata and Shillong.
The first semifinal will be staged at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on August 19, while Shillong will host the second semi on August 20. The tournament will culminate with the final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on August 23 where the champions of the 135th Durand Cup will be crowned.
