Durand Cup
Organised by All India Football Federation · AIFF
Age Group
Open (Senior Men's clubs)
Typical Dates
The 2026 edition will be held from July 25 to August 23. The 2025 edition was held from July 15.
Format
Group stage followed by knockout quarterfinals, semis, and final
Prize Pool
Durand Cup Trophy + significant prize money
About This Tournament
The Durand Cup is an annual football competition in India and is the oldest existing club football tournament in Asia. It is hosted by the Durand Football Tournament Society and the AIFF, serving as the curtain-raiser for the Indian football season. It is open to national clubs, including teams from the Indian Super League, Indian Football League, I-League 2, and the Indian Armed Forces.
Flagship Tournament: The top-tier event in this sport — results here directly influence national team selection and international qualification.
The Ranking Circuit
The Durand Cup is a club-based knockout competition running alongside the I-League and ISL in the AIFF calendar. As Asia's oldest tournament, it provides additional competitive exposure for ISL and I-League clubs. It uniquely includes service teams (Indian Army, Navy, Air Force) — offering an alternative professional pathway for players who join the armed forces. For young players, the Durand Cup is aspirational: a professional club contract with an ISL or I-League club is the prerequisite. The full club ladder: AIFF Grassroots → ISL/I-League academy (U-18/U-21) → senior club contract → I-League → ISL → Durand Cup and AFC international competition.
Age Categories & Eligibility
Open (Senior Men's clubs)
Age eligibility is determined by the player's age as of the cutoff date in the official tournament circular. Confirm exact dates on the AIFF website before registering.
Competition Format
Group stage followed by knockout quarterfinals, semis, and final
What this means for your child
Your child is guaranteed at least the group-stage matches regardless of results, giving them consistent competitive experience before the pressure of knockout rounds begins.
Cost & Awards
Prizes & Awards
Durand Cup Trophy + significant prize money
Qualification Journey
The typical path a player follows to reach this tournament:
- 1
Club contract (ISL/I-League/Service team)
- 2
Club entry into Durand Cup
This tournament
How to Enter — Step by Step
Follow these steps in order. Starting early gives your child a significant advantage — many entry slots fill quickly.
- 1
Play for a club competing in ISL, I-League, or recognised state leagues
- 2
Clubs receive invitations or apply for entry through the Durand Football Tournament Society
- 3
Player registration follows AIFF transfer window and club contract rules
- 4
Compete in the group stage (held in multiple cities) followed by knockout rounds in Kolkata
What Your Child Stands to Gain
Competing in Durand Cup creates measurable, lasting value — beyond the result on the day.
National team selection pool
Performance at national level places your child under direct observation by the Football national selectors. Top finishers are invited to national training camps and considered for international duty.
Official competition record
Every result in this tournament goes on your child's official Football record, which selectors and federation coaches reference during team announcements.
Exposure to higher-level competition
Competing against athletes from across the country — or state — builds both technical skill and mental resilience faster than any training camp.
International qualification gateway
Winning or reaching the final in flagship tournaments often satisfies the minimum performance standard required to represent India in Asian or World Championships.
Organising Federation
All India Football Federation
The Durand Cup is organised jointly by the Durand Football Tournament Society and AIFF. It is the world's third-oldest football tournament after the FA Cup and Scottish Cup.
Visit AIFF Official WebsiteCommon Questions from Parents
Does my child need prior federation registration to participate?
Yes. Your child must hold a valid AIFF (All India Football Federation) membership, obtained through your State Football Association. Without this, your child cannot be listed in the official draw. PowerMySport can handle this registration for you as part of our concierge service.
What age group does my child qualify for?
This is an Open (Senior Men's clubs) event. Confirm your child's exact eligibility against the official age-cutoff date published in the tournament circular, available on the AIFF website.
What is the typical duration of this tournament?
The format is: Group stage followed by knockout quarterfinals, semis, and final. Depending on your child's progression and the number of entries in their category, plan for 3–7 days of competition. Families should book accommodation and travel with flexibility for knockout advancement.
What if my child doesn't qualify through the standard route?
State associations are allocated a fixed number of spots. If your child narrowly misses selection, two options remain: (1) apply directly to AIFF for a wildcard spot, which some editions offer to high-ranked players, or (2) focus on the next qualifying tournament in the cycle to build a stronger record. Our team at PowerMySport can advise on the specific appeals process.
Are there any costs beyond the entry fee?
Entry fees vary by federation and edition — typically ₹500–₹5,000 per player per event. Families are responsible for travel, accommodation, and meals unless otherwise stated in the tournament circular. Some state associations cover partial costs for selected state team players. Check the official tournament notice for the current edition's fee structure.