The countdown to India’s premier cup competition has officially begun. With just a month to go, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unveiled the Super Cup 2025 group stage draws, setting the stage for a high-stakes tournament that promises drama, rivalries, and the potential for surprises.
The tournament will run from October 25 to November 6 in Goa, with group winners progressing to the knockout stage. The competition has taken on added significance this year as the winner secures a playoff spot for the 2026–27 AFC Champions League Two, subject to licensing compliance. For India’s top clubs, this is more than just domestic silverware; it is a gateway to Asia.
Group A: Kolkata Derby Headlines the Battle
Teams: Mohun Bagan, Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal, Real Kashmir
The spotlight inevitably falls on Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal, one of the fiercest rivalries in world football. The inclusion of the Kolkata Derby in the group stage has elevated excitement around Group A, ensuring packed stadiums and passionate fan engagement.
Mohun Bagan enter as the reigning ISL champions, having completed a league-cup double in 2024–25. Their squad, spearheaded by Australian forward Jamie Maclaren, remains formidable, though recent continental setbacks add pressure to deliver on the domestic stage. East Bengal, buoyed by their 41st Calcutta Football League title, look confident. With Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki added to their ranks, they have the firepower to upset their arch-rivals.
Chennaiyin FC are in transition after finishing 11th in the ISL last season. With key departures, this tournament is an opportunity for them to prove they still belong among India’s elite. Real Kashmir, third in last season’s I-League, bring unpredictability. Known for their grit, they will aim to exploit any slip-ups by ISL sides.
The group is not just about bragging rights in Kolkata it is a test of ISL dominance against the hunger of an ambitious I-League side.
Group B: The Group of Champions
Teams: FC Goa, Jamshedpur, NorthEast United, Inter Kashi
Arguably the toughest group of the lot, Group B brings together champions from across competitions.
FC Goa, winners of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, enter as favorites. They have a deep squad but will need to balance continental commitments, including an AFC clash with Al Nassr, during this period.
Jamshedpur FC, runners-up in the Kalinga Super Cup, are adjusting to life under new coach Steven Dias after Khalid Jamil took charge of the national team. Their consistency in cup tournaments makes them dangerous. NorthEast United stunned many with their Durand Cup 2025 triumph, demolishing Diamond Harbour 6-1 in the final. Forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the tournament’s top scorer, is the man to watch.
Inter Kashi, the fairy-tale I-League champions, arrive with renewed credibility after their CAS victory in a player eligibility case. With Antonio Lopez Habas at the helm and Joni Kauko marshaling midfield, they cannot be dismissed.
Every match in this group feels like a knockout. The rematch of the Kalinga Super Cup final between Goa and Jamshedpur, as well as NEUFC’s clash with Inter Kashi, could decide the margins.
Group C: Bengaluru’s Redemption Quest
Teams: Bengaluru FC, Mohammedan, Punjab, Gokulam Kerala
Group C offers a fascinating mix of an ISL powerhouse, a debutant struggling to find its feet, and two I-League outfits with pedigree.
Bengaluru FC finished third in last season’s ISL but are smarting from a shock Kalinga Super Cup exit to Inter Kashi. This group is a chance to reassert themselves. Mohammedan SC, bottom of the ISL in their debut year, are desperate for redemption. A series of new signings must click quickly if they hope to compete.
Punjab FC, consistent in regional tournaments, have the ability to spring a surprise, though the departure of Luka Majcen leaves a hole in attack. Gokulam Kerala, late entrants after replacing Churchill Brothers, are rebuilding after losing nearly all their foreign stars. Still, their history as giant-killers gives them a puncher’s chance.
For Bengaluru, anything less than top spot would be considered a failure. But their I-League challengers will relish the underdog role.
Group D: Trials of Redemption
Teams: Mumbai City, Kerala Blasters, Hyderabad, Rajasthan United
Group D brings together three ISL teams desperate to bounce back from underwhelming seasons, plus an I-League club eager to make its mark.
Mumbai City, once ISL’s most feared side, slipped to 6th last season. The exit of foreign stars has left them in a rebuilding phase. Kerala Blasters narrowly missed the ISL playoffs but will have a chance to lift their passionate fanbase.
Hyderabad FC endured a nightmare season, finishing last in the ISL while conceding 47 goals. Their reliance on youth may leave them vulnerable again. Rajasthan United, last-minute replacements for Odisha FC, have strengthened with foreign signings and will look to exploit the ISL clubs’ fragility.
With each team seeking redemption, this group promises high-scoring matches and unpredictable outcomes.
Format and Stakes
The group stage will be played from October 25 to November 6, with matches in Bambolim and Fatorda. Each group winner advances to the semi-finals, scheduled after India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier on November 18. One of the most intriguing aspects of this edition is the presence of both ISL giants and ambitious I-League clubs. The knockout pathway to Asia ensures that every fixture matters, raising the stakes considerably.
The Super Cup 2025 is shaping up to be more than just a curtain-raiser for the season it is a litmus test for Indian football. From the drama of the Kolkata Derby in Group A to the champions’ gauntlet in Group B, the underdog spirit in Group C, and redemption battles in Group D, the narratives are rich and varied.
With continental football on the line, the tournament has never carried greater weight. For clubs, it is an opportunity to set the tone for the season. For fans, it is a festival of football with rivalries reignited and dreams of Asia at stake.
