History Beckons: East Bengal Set to Host India’s First-Ever AWCL Group Stage in Kolkata

Indian women’s football is about to make history on home soil. East Bengal FC have been drawn into Group B of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27, and with Kolkata confirmed as the host city, this marks the first time the competition’s group stage will ever be played in India.

The Draw Results

Conducted at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, the Moshal Girls have been placed alongside Hwacheon KSPO WFC of South Korea, Ho Chi Minh City WFC of Vietnam, and 4.25 SC of DPR Korea — a group featuring three different national league champions.

Group B at a Glance

East Bengal’s Fixture List

Building on Last Season’s Progress

Having already secured their second consecutive Group Stage appearance by topping their Preliminary Stage group in Kota Kinabalu, East Bengal now target a genuine breakthrough — reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in the club’s history. The tournament’s expanded 12-team, three-group format means group winners, runners-up, and the two best third-placed sides advance to the Knockout Stage, with Quarter-final matchups decided by a separate draw in December.

Why It Matters

Hosting Group B fixtures in Kolkata offers Indian football fans a rare, direct look at continental women’s club football, while giving East Bengal a genuine home advantage in their push for the knockouts. Full tournament details are available on the official AFC website.

For more East Bengal Women’s coverage and AWCL updates, check out our Football section on TechnoSports.