Will Mohun Bagan and FC Goa Clash in Super Cup 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa lead their respective groups.
- Only group winners advance to the semi-finals, raising the stakes for each match.
- The competition features a total of 16 teams across four groups.
- The winner earns a playoff spot in the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two.
- Intense rivalries are expected, particularly in Group A and Group B.
New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) revealed the group stage lineup for the 2025-26 Super Cup on Thursday, with 16 teams split into four groups of four. This tournament, featuring both Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League teams, ensures that only group winners advance to the semi-finals, intensifying the significance of each match. The champion will also secure a playoff spot in the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two, raising the competitive stakes even higher.
The reigning ISL champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and the defending Super Cup titleholders, FC Goa, have been designated as top seeds in two of the four groups. The draw has set the stage for thrilling matchups, including a possible Kolkata derby in Group A and last season's finalists clashing in Group B.
In Group A, Mohun Bagan Super Giant leads alongside their fierce rivals, East Bengal FC, promising a jaw-dropping clash that could determine the outcome of the group. Chennaiyin FC and Real Kashmir FC complete the group, both eager to challenge the traditional powerhouses and vie for a semifinal spot.
Group B features FC Goa, who triumphed over Jamshedpur FC in last season’s final to reclaim the Super Cup in May 2025. These two finalists meet again, with NorthEast United FC and newcomers Inter Kashi FC rounding out the group. As Goa seeks to defend their title, Jamshedpur will be hungry for revenge, making this group a hotbed of competition.
In Group C, Bengaluru FC, the champions of the inaugural edition in 2018, are joined by Mohammedan SC from Kolkata, Punjab FC, and Gokulam Kerala FC. Each team boasts a blend of youth and experience, with Bengaluru aiming to add another title to their impressive record.
Group D showcases Mumbai City FC, leading a strong lineup that includes Kerala Blasters FC, Hyderabad FC, and Rajasthan United FC. The much-anticipated Mumbai-Kerala clash will be a highlight, while both Hyderabad and Rajasthan aim to exceed expectations.
The Super Cup has gained prominence since its inception in 2018. Following Bengaluru's victory in the first edition and FC Goa's win in 2019, the tournament faced a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in 2023 with Odisha FC winning their first trophy, and East Bengal claiming the title in 2024.