East Bengal lost to Mohun Bagan 1-0 in IFA Shield 2026 Final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
East Bengal put up a spirited but ultimately suffered a narrow defeat. Despite creating opportunities and pushing hard for an equaliser, the Red and Gold Brigade could not find the decisive breakthrough. Luck was not on East Bengal’s side as their efforts in the attacking third failed to produce the much-needed goal.
Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, held the upper hand in midfield, controlling the central areas and managing the tempo of the contest. Samir Zeljkovic’s first-half strike proved to be the difference, as the Mariners defended their advantage under pressure in the second half. East Bengal fought until the final whistle, but their search for an equaliser remained unsuccessful.
This was the 13th time that East Bengal finished Runners-up. They have won the Shield 29 times. Meanwhile Mohun Bagan won the IFA Shield for 22nd time.
East Bengal FC Starting XI:
Phurba Lachenpa, Hardik Bhatt, Diego Zivulic, Lalchungnunga, Sandip Mandi, Mohammad Rashid, Dani Ramirez, Bipin Singh, Jay Gupta, Jeakson Singh, Edmund Lalrindika
Picture Courtesy: East Bengal Media
