Durand Cup 2025: Everything You Need to Know About Asia’s Oldest Football Tournament

The stage is set for one of football’s most prestigious competitions as the Durand Cup 2025 prepares to captivate fans across India and beyond.

As Asia’s oldest football tournament enters its remarkable 134th edition, the competition promises a month-long festival of football from July 23 to August 23, 2025, featuring 24 teams battling for ultimate glory.

The Historic Journey Continues

The Durand Cup holds an unmatched legacy in Asian football, and the 2025 edition maintains this prestigious tradition while embracing modern football dynamics. This year’s tournament brings together an exciting blend of Indian Super League (ISL) powerhouses, service teams, and regional clubs, creating a unique tapestry of football talent across the subcontinent.

East Bengal FC will have the honor of opening the tournament against South United FC at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on July 23, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable championship.

Tournament Format and Structure

The Durand Cup 2025 features a well-structured format designed to maximize competitive balance and excitement. Twenty-four teams have been strategically divided into six groups, with matches spanning across five vibrant cities: Kolkata, Shillong, Jamshedpur, Kokrajhar, and the newly added host city of Imphal.

The knockout stage format ensures high-stakes football from the very beginning. Six group winners will automatically advance to the quarterfinals, joined by the two best second-placed teams. This format guarantees that every match carries significant weight, making the group stage as thrilling as the knockout rounds.

Star-Studded Participation

The tournament features six prestigious ISL clubs: East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mohammedan SC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, and Punjab FC. These professional clubs will face strong competition from service teams and regional powerhouses, creating fascinating David vs. Goliath scenarios throughout the competition.

Defending champions NorthEast United FC will begin their title defense against the Foreign Services Team on August 2 in Shillong, marking one of the tournament’s most anticipated early encounters.

Complete Group Breakdown

Group A – Kolkata

Group B – Kolkata

Group C – Jamshedpur

Group D – Kokrajhar

Group E – Shillong

Group F – Imphal

Key Fixtures and Match Schedule

The tournament’s opening week features several marquee matchups that will set the competitive tone. Beyond the opening encounter between East Bengal FC and South United FC, football enthusiasts can look forward to the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby when Mohun Bagan Super Giant faces Mohammedan SC on July 31.

The group stage will conclude on August 12, leading into an intense knockout phase beginning August 16. The quarterfinals will be played across two days (August 16-17), followed by the semifinals on August 19-20, culminating in the grand finale on August 23.

Knockout Stage Timeline

Venues: A Football Tour Across India

The Durand Cup 2025 showcases India’s diverse football landscape through its multi-city format:

Kolkata serves as the tournament’s heart, hosting both Group A and Group B matches at the legendary Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan.

Shillong brings its passionate football culture to Group E matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where the defending champions will begin their title defense.

Jamshedpur hosts Group C action at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, providing a perfect backdrop for competitive football.

Kokrajhar welcomes Group D teams to the Sai Stadium, adding northeastern flavor to the competition.

Imphal makes its Durand Cup debut as the newest host city, with Group F matches at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

Live Broadcasting and Streaming Details

Football fans won’t miss a moment of the action, as Sony Sports Network provides comprehensive coverage of the Durand Cup 2025. All matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports 2, ensuring television audiences across India can follow their favorite teams.

For digital-first viewers, Sony LIV offers live streaming of every match, complete with multiple camera angles and expert commentary. This dual broadcasting approach ensures maximum accessibility for fans across different viewing preferences.

What Makes Durand Cup 2025 Special

This year’s tournament stands out for several reasons. The inclusion of Imphal as a host city expands the tournament’s geographical reach, while the participation of six ISL clubs alongside traditional service teams creates unprecedented competitive depth.

The tournament’s timing, spanning exactly one month, allows for proper rest intervals between matches while maintaining momentum throughout the competition. This scheduling ensures players can perform at their peak while giving fans consistent entertainment.

Championship Implications

For ISL clubs, the Durand Cup 2025 represents more than just another trophy – it’s a chance to test squad depth, integrate new signings, and build momentum for the upcoming league season. Service teams and regional clubs view this as their opportunity to showcase talent against professional opposition, potentially opening doors for player development and recognition.

The defending champions, NorthEast United FC, face the challenge of repeating their success while managing expectations and pressure that comes with their current status.

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