The Iconic IFA Shield Returns After Four Years!

The historic IFA Shield, one of the oldest football competitions in the world, is making a grand return after four years. Organized by the Indian Football Association (IFA), West Bengal, the tournament traces its origins back to 1893, making it the fourth oldest football tournament globally after the English FA Cup, Scottish FA Cup, and the Durand Cup.

Over the years, the IFA Shield has been a stage for legendary battles, carrying rich heritage and tradition. East Bengal remains the most successful club in the tournament’s history with 29 titles, Mohun Bagan SG is the second highest with 20 title, while Real Kashmir FC are the current champions with two titles to their name(2021).

Between 2015 and 2018, the Shield was restructured into a youth tournament due to the tight scheduling of Indian football. However, in 2020, it was restored as a senior competition, keeping alive its historic prestige.

Initially, Mohun Bagan Super Giant had declined to participate in this year’s Shield, sparking frustration among their passionate fan base. Supporters voiced their discontent, recalling the club’s deep connection with the tournament. Responding to the movement and emotions of their fans, the club eventually agreed to take part. This decision holds symbolic weight, as Mohun Bagan were the first Indian team to win the IFA Shield in 1911, defeating the East Yorkshire Regiment. That victory was more than just football, it was seen as a victory of colonial India against British rule, and it forever etched Mohun Bagan’s name in history.

Now, in the 2025–26 season, the Shield is back once again, promising exciting clashes among some of the top sides. Though the match timings and venues are yet to be finalized, the groupings and fixtures have already been released soon.

IFA Shield 2025 Groups:

Group A:

Emami East Bengal FC
Namdhari FC
Sreenidi Deccan FC

Group B:

Mohun Bagan Super Giant
United Sports Club
Gokulam Kerala FC

Fixture IFA Shield 2025:

October 8, 2025
Emami East Bengal FC vs Sreenidi Deccan FC (Group A)

October 9, 2025
Gokulam Kerala FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Group B)

October 11, 2025
Sreenidi Deccan FC vs Namdhari FC (Group A)

October 12, 2025
United Sports Club vs Gokulam Kerala FC (Group B)

October 14, 2025
Namdhari FC vs Emami East Bengal FC (Group A)

October 15, 2025
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs United Sports Club (Group B)

October 18, 2025 – The Final
Champion of Group A vs Champion of Group B

The return of the IFA Shield will not only revive historic rivalries like East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan, but also give a platform to rising clubs like Namdhari FC and Sreenidi Deccan to leave their mark in Indian football. Fans across West Bengal and beyond eagerly await the announcement of venues and match timings, as this iconic competition prepares to script another glorious chapter in Indian football history.