News Desk: East Bengal are back in the Durand Cup final with a chance to end one of the longest trophy droughts in their history. The Kolkata giants last won the prestigious tournament in 2004, meaning they have gone 22 years without lifting the Durand Cup.
East Bengal’s most recent triumph came on November 10, 2004, when they defeated arch-rivals Mohun Bagan 2-1 in the final at Delhi’s Ambedkar Stadium. Chandan Das was the hero of the night, scoring both goals for East Bengal, including the decisive winner in the 92nd minute. The victory gave the club its 16th Durand Cup title.
Since then, East Bengal have come close but have been unable to reclaim the trophy. Their last appearance in the final before 2026 came in 2003, when they lost to Salgaocar on penalties.
The club’s official records confirm that East Bengal have won the Durand Cup 16 times, with their championship years including 1951, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1967, 1970, 1972, 1978, 1982, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 2002 and 2004.
The wait has now reached a crucial point. East Bengal defeated SC Delhi in a penalty shootout in the 2026 semi-final to book their place in the final. They will face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the title clash on August 23, setting up another high-profile Kolkata derby.
The final also gives East Bengal an opportunity to settle some unfinished business. Mohun Bagan defeated East Bengal 1-0 in the 2023 Durand Cup final, while the latest tournament records show that NorthEast United won the 2024 and 2025 editions.
For East Bengal supporters, the numbers underline the significance of the occasion. The club remains one of the most successful teams in Durand Cup history with 16 titles, but the last of those came more than two decades ago.
A victory in the 2026 final would not only add a 17th Durand Cup to East Bengal’s trophy cabinet but also bring an end to a 22-year wait for one of Indian football’s most historic clubs.
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