India’s premier knockout football tournament, the Kalinga Super Cup, is set to return for its 2025 edition with an exciting lineup of matches and top-tier clubs vying for continental qualification and national glory.
Starting from April 20 and culminating on May 3, this year marks the fifth iteration of the competition, which also serves as the 43rd edition of the country’s prestigious knockout championship. East Bengal FC enter the tournament as reigning champions, having edged past Odisha FC in last year’s final.
Format and Structure
The 2025 Kalinga Super Cup features a total of 16 clubs, drawn into direct elimination matchups from the very beginning. Every round will be played as a single-leg fixture — including the quarterfinals and semifinals — leading to an intense one-off final.
The team that lifts the trophy will also earn a spot in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League 2 preliminary round, adding significant weight to each clash.
Participating Clubs
Thirteen Indian Super League sides are confirmed for the tournament, making up the bulk of the competition. Meanwhile, from the I-League, Churchill Brothers SC and Inter Kashi have accepted the invitation to participate. The third I-League entrant will be determined based on the top three teams in the 2024–25 season standings as of April 6.
Here are the confirmed clubs:
- Bengaluru FC
- Chennaiyin FC
- East Bengal FC
- FC Goa
- Hyderabad FC
- Jamshedpur FC
- Kerala Blasters FC
- Mohammedan Sporting Club
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant
- Mumbai City FC
- NorthEast United FC
- Odisha FC
- Punjab FC
- Churchill Brothers SC
- Inter Kashi
- Gokulam Kerala FC
Venue and Host City
All fixtures will take place at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, with games rotating between two designated pitches within the complex.
The consistent venue allows teams and fans to focus on the action without the strain of travel.
Streaming and Broadcast
Fans across India can catch every thrilling moment live through JioHotstar’s digital platform. For television audiences, Star Sports 3 will provide comprehensive coverage of the entire tournament, making it accessible to households nationwide.
Round of 16 Fixtures (All Times IST)
- April 20, 16:30 – Kerala Blasters FC vs East Bengal FC
- April 20, 20:00 – Mohun Bagan SG vs Churchill Brothers SC
- April 21, 16:30 – FC Goa vs Inter Kashi FC
- April 21, 20:00 – Odisha FC vs Punjab FC
- April 23, 16:30 – Bengaluru FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC
- April 23, 20:00 – Mumbai City FC vs Chennaiyin FC
- April 24, 16:30 – NorthEast United FC vs Mohammedan SC
- April 24, 20:00 – Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC
Quarterfinal Matchups
- April 26, 16:30 – Winner of Match 1 vs Winner of Match 2
- April 26, 20:00 – Winner of Match 3 vs Winner of Match 4
- April 27, 16:30 – Winner of Match 5 vs Winner of Match 6
- April 27, 20:00 – Winner of Match 7 vs Winner of Match 8
Semifinal Showdowns
- April 30, 16:30 – Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2
- April 30, 20:00 – Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4
Grand Finale
- May 3, Time TBC – Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2
