Mohun Bagan are IFA Shield champions again. A first-half goal from Samir Zeljkovic gave the Mariners a 1-0 win over arch-rivals East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby final at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday night. It is Mohun Bagan’s 22nd IFA Shield title and their second in a row, both won against East Bengal.
Match summary
- Result: Mohun Bagan 1-0 East Bengal, IFA Shield 2026 final.
- Goal: Samir Zeljkovic, 45th minute, assisted by Sahal Abdul Samad.
- Venue: Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan), Kolkata, October 8.
- Title count: 22nd IFA Shield for Mohun Bagan; back-to-back champions.
- Revenge: East Bengal had beaten Mohun Bagan 4-1 in the 2026 Durand Cup final.
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How the Kolkata Derby final was won
Both sides had early chances. Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith denied East Bengal’s Edmund Lalrindika in a one-on-one, and at the other end Mehtab Singh hit the crossbar around the half-hour mark. East Bengal keeper Phurba Lachenpa kept his side level with two diving saves just before the break.
Then, right on half-time, Sahal Abdul Samad threaded a pass to Samir Zeljkovic, who scored the only goal of the night in the 45th minute.
East Bengal pushed hard after the break. The game turned tense around the hour mark when Sandip Mandi went off injured after a clash of heads, sparking a brief scuffle between players. Seven minutes of stoppage time followed, but the Red and Gold could not find an equaliser.
Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal: recent finals
| Final | Result |
|---|---|
| IFA Shield 2026 | Mohun Bagan 1-0 East Bengal |
| Durand Cup 2026 | East Bengal 4-1 Mohun Bagan |
| IFA Shield 2025 | Mohun Bagan 1-1 East Bengal (Mohun Bagan won 5-4 on penalties) |
The win lets Mohun Bagan answer the heavy Durand Cup final defeat earlier this season and extends their hold on the oldest club competition in Indian football.
Why the IFA Shield matters
Organised by the Indian Football Association (West Bengal), the IFA Shield started in 1893 and is one of the oldest football tournaments in the world. A Kolkata Derby final always fills the Salt Lake Stadium and divides the city in green-maroon and red-gold.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the IFA Shield 2026?
Mohun Bagan won the IFA Shield 2026, beating East Bengal 1-0 in the final on October 8 at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.
Who scored in the IFA Shield 2026 final?
Samir Zeljkovic scored the only goal in the 45th minute, from a pass by Sahal Abdul Samad.
How many IFA Shield titles does Mohun Bagan have?
This was Mohun Bagan’s 22nd IFA Shield title.
Who won the 2026 Durand Cup?
East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan 4-1 in the 2026 Durand Cup final.