Kolkata’s Torch Bearers just made Indian football history — twice over. East Bengal FC have become the only Indian club with both their men’s and women’s teams competing on Asia’s biggest club stage in the same season, a first in the country’s footballing history.
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A Historic Double Qualification
East Bengal’s men’s side booked their spot in the AFC Champions League Two after winning the 2025-26 Indian Super League, while the Moshal Girls secured their place in the AFC Women’s Champions League by lifting the Indian Women’s League title. As East Bengal themselves celebrated on social media, this marks the first time any Indian club has had both its men’s and women’s teams compete in AFC competitions in the same season as reigning national league champions.
East Bengal: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Men’s Achievement | ISL Champions 2025-26 |
| Men’s AFC Route | AFC Champions League Two |
| Women’s Achievement | IWL Champions 2025-26 (2nd title) |
| Women’s AFC Route | AFC Women’s Champions League |
| Historic First | Only Indian club with both teams in AFC action, same season |
| Competitions Begin | August 2026 |
Why This Matters
Beyond the symbolism, this dual qualification reflects genuine structural investment across both the men’s and women’s setups at East Bengal — a rare feat even among Asia’s bigger footballing nations, where women’s football often lags well behind the men’s program in resources and opportunity.
What’s Next
Both teams now carry the responsibility of representing Indian football on the continental stage simultaneously, with East Bengal’s men already through to the ACL Two group stage after their win over Al-Arabi SC. Full tournament schedules are available on the official AFC website.
For more East Bengal news and AFC coverage, check out our Football section on TechnoSports.
