IFA Shield 2026: East Bengal FC and Punjab FC will face each other today in the group stage of IFA Shield 2026. There is a different kind of excitement surrounding the match, as the top spot in the group is decided on the outcome of this match, but the semi-final fate of the two teams is virtually assured. In the current points table, East Bengal and Punjab both have 3 points. Punjab’s goal difference +7, East Bengal’s +2. On the other hand, Calcutta Customs are on zero points after losing two matches. As a result, if the last match of the group is not rained at all or whatever the result of the match, East Bengal and Punjab have an open way to reach the last four in the current situation.
What will be the equation if it rains?
Let’s say the East Bengal-Punjab match is abandoned due to bad weather and no points are awarded. In that case, two teams will have 3 points each, and Calcutta Customs will have zero points. That means the first two places in the group will be occupied by East Bengal and Punjab. And if the match is considered a draw and both teams get one point, their points will be increased by 4. Even in that case, reaching the semi-finals is certain. However, if a match is abandoned, the specific decision on points or re-matches will depend on the rules of the competition and the decision of the organizers – so it is not correct to assume that ‘a match in rain does not mean a point’.
Who where before the last match?
East Bengal defeated Calcutta Customs 3-1 in the first match of the group. In the beginning, the red-yellow fell behind in the 12th minute with Ricky Gharami’s goal. But Rohit Kumar equalized in the 29th minute. In the second half, Rohit Danu gave East Bengal the lead in the 52nd minute and Mohammad Bilal scored the third goal in the 85th minute to seal the win. On the other hand, Punjab’s start was more difficult. They beat Calcutta Customs 7-0. Rafael Messi bowled a hat-trick, as a result of which Punjab is far ahead on goal difference.
Battle for the top spot
In other words, although the semi-final is confirmed, today’s match is important for both teams. Because the result of the match will play a big role in determining the top position of the group. Punjab lead with +7 goal difference thanks to 7-0 win. East Bengal’s goal difference is +2. As a result, if there is a draw, Punjab will be on top. East Bengal will need to win the match and look at the goal difference to finish top of the group. According to the published schedule, the group stage is followed by two semi-finals on October 4.
Full squad of East Bengal
- Goalkeeper: Phurba Lachenpa, Prabsukhan Singh Gill, Subrata Santra, Raunak Ghosh, Gaurav Shaw.
- Defender: Hardik Bhatt, Anwar Ali, Lalchungnunga, Boris Singh, Narendra Gehlot, Diego Zivulich, Jay Gupta, Sandeep Mandi, Shubo Biswas, Mantosh Chakladar, Ankon Bhattacharya, Sonam Lokham, Vikram Pradhan, Joy Baz, Soumik Kole, Chaku Mandi, Joseph Justin.
- Midfielder: Rohit Kumar, PV Vishnu, Chris Economidis, Daniel Ramirez, Rohit Danu, Rainier Fernandez, Sauvik Chakraborty, Jackson Singh, Bipin Singh, Mohammed Asif, Anantu NS, Arun Alal M, Sanjeev Ghosh, Rapge Lepcha, Tanmoy Das, Laikhuram Ricky, Fazeen Majid, Dilip Orao, Mohammad Basim Rashid, Batas Murmu, Vijay Murmu, Debayan Hazra.
- Forward: Edmund Lalrindika, David Lalhlansanga, Jessin TK Thanikekara, Devdatta S, Uttam Hansda, Mohammad Bilal, Akash Heram, Arghya Sarkar, Ravi Das.
Full Squad of Punjab FC
- Goalkeeper: Arshdeep Singh, Muhit Shabir, Ayush Deshwal.
- Defender: Mohammad Uwais, Karish Soram, Engarin Shaiza, Patrick Gerard Bahanak, Suresh Meitei, Mohammad Sohail Khan, Vishu Sharma.
- Midfielder: Khaiminthang Lungdim, Nikhil Prabhu, Rishikant Meitei, Arshvir Singh, Mohammed Inam, Manglenthang Kipgen.
- Forward: Mohammed Suhail, Konsam Sanathai Singh, Vikas Singh Sagolsem, Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, Vishal Yadav, Raphael Massey Bouley, Gurkeerat Singh.