East Bengal FC is placed in Group A along with Mohammedan SC and Punjab FC in IFA Shield 2026 as per the schedule released by IFA.
Mohun Bagan SG is drawn with Sreenidi Deccan FC and NorthEast United FC in Group B. Both semi-finals are scheduled for 2 October, while the venue will depend on the participating teams. The final date is yet to be announced.
East Bengal FC enter the competition as the current runners-up and the most successful club in IFA Shield history, having lifted the prestigious trophy 29 times.
The Red & Gold brigade will begin their campaign against Mohammedan SC on 22 September, before facing Punjab FC on 28 September at the East Bengal–Aryan Ground.
Champion (29 Times)
1943 • 1945 • 1949 • 1950 • 1951 • 1958 • 1961 • 1965 • 1966 • 1970 • 1972 • 1973 • 1974 • 1975 • 1976 • 1981 • 1983 • 1984 • 1986 • 1990 • 1991 • 1994 • 1995 • 1997 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2012 • 2018 (U19)
Runners-up (12 Times)
1942 • 1944 • 1947 • 1953 • 1969 • 1977 • 1979 • 1998 • 2003 • 2013 • 2015 (U19) • 2025
Picture Courtesy: East Bengal Media
