East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: There’s no better way to kick off Asia’s oldest football tournament than with the most passionate rivalry in Indian football. The Durand Cup 2026 gets underway on July 25, and it does so in the most dramatic fashion possible — with the iconic Kolkata Derby, as East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG go head-to-head in the very first match of the competition. The two arch-rivals will face off at the VYBK Stadium, Kolkata, at 17:00 IST, with both sides eager to draw first blood and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Adding a modern touch to this age-old contest, the Government of West Bengal has introduced a new paperless ticketing system for the match. Fans heading to the stadium won’t need to carry physical tickets — simply showing their e-tickets at the gates will do the job. It’s a small but significant change that reflects how this historic rivalry continues to evolve with the times, even as the passion on and off the pitch remains as fierce as ever.

For over a hundred years, the Kolkata Derby has been more than just a football match — it’s a way of life for millions of fans across the city. Every tackle, every goal, every moment on that pitch carries the weight of decades of history, pride, and bragging rights. And as the curtain rises on the Durand Cup 2026, there’s no doubt that this clash will once again write another unforgettable chapter in one of sport’s greatest rivalries.

For 100+ years, this rivalry has defined Kolkata.
A century of stories, written on the pitch.
This is the Kolkata Derby.
Bragging rights on the line. This is everything.

Action starts 25th July. Watch live on @SonySportsNetwk and @SonyLIV #135thEditionofIndianOilDurandCup… pic.twitter.com/nI6V6a31xb
— Durand Cup (@thedurandcup) July 23, 2026

East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Lineup and How to Watch the Durand Cup 2026 match LIVE in India?

When is the East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Durand Cup 2026 match?

The East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Durand Cup match will be played on 25th July 2026.

Where will the East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Durand Cup 2026 match be played?

The East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Durand Cup match will be played at VYBK, Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.

What time does the match kick-off?

The match will kick off at 5:00 PM IST.

Which TV channels will broadcast the Durand Cup 2026 match live in India?

The Durand Cup matches will be broadcasted live on Sony Ten 2 TV channel.

How can you watch the live streaming of the Durand Cup 2026 match in India?

The Durand Cup match will be live streamed on Sony LIV.

Predicted Lineups

East Bengal predicted XI: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (GK); Anwar Ali, Kevin Sibille, Mohammad Rakip, Jay Gupta; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Bipin Singh Thounaojam, Mohammed Rashid; Vishnu P. V., Edmund Lalrindika

Mohun Bagan predicted XI: Vishal Kaith (GK); Abhishek Singh, Rahul Bheke, Mehtab Singh, Subhasish Bose; Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia), Anirudh Thapa; Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco; Suhail Bhat