Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview: Durand Cup 2026 Kolkata Derby Team News, H2H Record

The 2026 Durand Cup opener will feature a historic Kolkata Derby between arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC as the traditional curtain-raiser of the Indian domestic football season is back with an absolute blockbuster.

This highly anticipated Group A clash is scheduled for July 25, 2026, at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Both Kolkata football giants will headline Group A, which also includes South United FC and CISF Protectors. As the fans prepare to pack the stadium, all eyes will be on how the two sides line up in this crucial season opener.

This edition of the Kolkata Derby brings a unique flavor to the pitch. Both teams are entering the tournament with newly appointed coaches and limited availability of their foreign contingents. Because both clubs are still racing against time to finalize their foreign player registrations, the starting XIs are expected to feature predominantly local and Indian players.

Mohun Bagan SG has been conducting their pre-season preparations with a heavily Indian core. New high-profile signing Rahul Bheke has already integrated into the training sessions and will be a vital, experienced cog in their defense. With domestic attacking options like Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh, the Mariners still boast a lethal frontline capable of changing the game at a moment's notice. Dejan Drazic is set to be their foreigner in the squad for the match.

East Bengal, aiming to secure their 17th Durand Cup crown to tie their cross-town rivals, has built an incredibly robust Indian roster of their own. Their defense is securely anchored by established names like Anwar Ali and Lalchungnunga.

The midfield looks highly formidable with the addition of Jeakson Singh, who will partner with the ever-reliable Naorem Mahesh Singh on the flanks. Habas, ahead of the match, said that both Dani Ramirez and Nacho Monsalve are yet to be assessed and the duo are likely to miss the Kolkata Derby.

MBSG vs EBFC H2H Record

The rivalry between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal is one of the oldest and fiercest in global football. Their history is filled with memorable encounters, and the numbers reflect an incredibly tight contest over the decades.

Overall Derby Count: The two clubs have met in over 408 historical meetings across all official tournaments.

All-Time Wins: East Bengal currently holds a slight historic edge with approximately 144 wins, compared to Mohun Bagan's 134 victories.

Draws: Around 130 matches between the two sides have ended in a draw.

In terms of recent encounters, the margins have been razor-thin. The last time these two sides met was in the Indian Super League on May 17, 2026, which ended in a tense 1-1 draw. However, East Bengal fans will fondly remember their last meeting in this specific tournament; during the 2025 Durand Cup quarter-final, East Bengal secured a thrilling 2-1 victory to knock out Mohun Bagan.

As the 2026 Durand Cup kicks off on July 25, the Salt Lake Stadium will once again be divided into Maroon-Green and Red-Gold, setting the perfect stage for another unforgettable chapter in the Kolkata Derby.