The 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup 2025 starts on July 23 in five cities. East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC will be the main teams in the first week of games.
From big games in the past to new matchups, local teams are looking to start strong as they face new but eager opponents. This article looks closely at the first games, how the groups are working, and the early stories that are forming in Asia’s oldest football tournament.
[REPORT] Opening Week: East Bengal and Jamshedpur Go First
Yes, you heard that right! The legendary East Bengal FC will raise the curtain on the Durand Cup at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. They’ll face Bengaluru League side South United FC in the first Group A clash.
With a new foreign roster and pressure from a demanding fanbase, the Red & Gold brigade will be expected to dominate—anything less than three points would be seen as a red flag. The next day, Jamshedpur FC will host Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in the Steel City.
The Red Miners—roaring with fresh energy—are expected to bulldoze through their group, with their second game against Malaysian Army within the same week. According to reports, Jamshedpur are targeting two wins from two, with knockout qualification in sharp focus.
[TRENDING] Local Derbies That Could Steal the Spotlight
If you think it’s just about the big teams in ISL, you’re wrong. The first week also brings us three exciting local matches:
- Kolkata Derby Lite: Mohammedan Sporting vs Diamond Harbour FC
- Shillong Rivalry Reignited: Shillong Lajong FC vs Rangdajied United
- Classic Imphal Derby: Neroca FC vs TRAU FC
Each of these is a small problem—local fights with a past, pride, and the need to show off. Mohammedan really wants to do better than their nearby rivals DHFC, while the two clubs from Shillong are looking to bring back their past successes.
SUGGESTED READ: East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan 2–1
The Imphal Derby is back at Khuman Lampak, and it will be full of people and excitement.
Group B is set to make their mark at the 134th Edition of IndianOil Durand Cup.
MOHAMMEDAN SC
MOHUN BAGAN SUPER GIANT
DIAMOND HARBOUR FC
BSF FTA thrilling set of matches await.#134thEditionofIndianOilDurandCup #PoweredBySBIandCoalIndia #DurandCup2025 #ManyChampionsOneLegacy… pic.twitter.com/SZ4jECvYDB
— Durand Cup (@thedurandcup) July 20, 2025
[UPDATE] 5 Cities, 10 Matches, One Blazing Start
The opening week will see 10 matches across Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar and Imphal. While heavyweights like Mohun Bagan Super Giant and NorthEast United FC start later, the early birds can gain a vital edge in their groups.
The report also stated that early wins can practically fast-track teams into the knockouts—especially in tightly-packed groups like A and C.
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Broadcast, Schedule, and Key Fixtures
Football fans, save the date—Sony Ten 2 and SonyLIV will show all the action live. Here’s a quick look at the main acts for opening week:
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Group |
| July 23 | East Bengal vs South United | VYBK, Kolkata | Group A |
| July 24 | Jamshedpur vs Tribhuvan Army | JRD Tata Sports Complex | Group C |
| Week 1 | Mohammedan vs DHFC | Kolkata | Group B |
| Week 1 | Shillong Lajong vs Rangdajied | JLN Stadium, Shillong | Group E |
| Week 1 | Neroca FC vs TRAU FC | Khuman Lampak, Imphal | Group D |
Amit Mishra’s Take
This first week of the tournament feels like it’s off to a fast start for Indian football. East Bengal’s game against South United is not just a big difference—it’s a test of pressure.
Jamshedpur’s game against Tribhuvan Army might be an interesting mix of different styles. What makes me really happy?
The nearby matches, these are not just games—they are stories of football being created. With new teams, old rivalries, and five cities full of energy, the 2025 Durand Cup might change how we feel about preseason in Indian football.
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