Durand Cup 2025: East Bengal Leads as Quarterfinals Take Shape

The 134th edition of the Durand Cup 2025, Asia's oldest football tournament and the world's third-oldest, is currently captivating football fans across India with intense competition among 24 teams. The month-long tournament, which began on July 23 and continues until August 23, is organized by the Indian Armed Forces and serves as the traditional curtain-raiser for the Indian football season.

East Bengal FC, a 16-time champion, has been the standout team in the early stages, kicking off their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over South United FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The Red & Gold Brigade have maintained their momentum, having secured two consecutive wins and currently sitting atop Group A with six points from two matches, ahead of Namdhari FC who have the same points but from three games.

East Bengal’s next challenge is against the Indian Air Force Football Team at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on August 10, where they aim to close out the group stage unbeaten. Although the Indian Air Force team has struggled, with only one point from two games and already out of knockout contention, East Bengal remains determined to preserve their perfect record heading into the knockout phase.

The tournament format comprises a group stage with six groups of four teams each, followed by knockout rounds. After the group matches, six group winners and the two best second-placed teams will advance to the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, other key teams such as Punjab FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant are fighting for survival and knockout berths in their respective groups. Punjab FC was set to face Bodoland FC in a decisive Group D match on August 9, needing a win to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive. Bodoland FC had earlier upset Punjab FC and secured their place in the quarterfinals alongside Mohun Bagan.

The Durand Cup 2025 continues to showcase thrilling football and rising talents, with live matches being broadcast on the Sony Sports Network and streamed via SonyLIV. The tournament not only highlights traditional football powerhouses but also gives a platform to emerging clubs and services teams.

As the competition advances towards the knockout stages, fans eagerly anticipate high-stakes encounters and fierce battles for the prestigious Durand Cup trophy, maintaining the tournament's century-old legacy in Indian football.