The Santosh Trophy 2025–26 group stage continued to gather momentum with a series of emphatic results on December 21, underlining the depth and disparity that often characterize India’s premier domestic football competition.
Gujarat, Railways and Tamil Nadu were the standout performers of the day, registering commanding victories that strengthened their respective positions as the race to reach the Final Round begins to take clearer shape.
With 35 teams competing across nine groups, eight groups of four teams and one group of three the margins for error are slim. Only group winners will progress to the 12-team Final Round, where they will join hosts Assam, defending champions West Bengal and last season’s runners-up Kerala. The Final Round is scheduled to be hosted across Dhakuakhana and Dhemaji, adding further significance to every group-stage fixture between December 15 and 26.
Big wins set the tone on December 21
Gujarat delivered one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far, dismantling Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 5–0. The margin of victory not only earned Gujarat three crucial points but also provided a significant boost to their goal difference, an important factor in a tightly contested group format. Their attacking cohesion and control in midfield made the contest one-sided from the early stages, reflecting a side well-prepared for the demands of short-format group competition.
Railways were equally ruthless, cruising to a 7–0 victory over Bihar. After being held to a goalless draw by Delhi earlier in the week, Railways responded in emphatic fashion, rediscovering their attacking rhythm and asserting their traditional strength in domestic football. The result reaffirmed their credentials as serious contenders to top their group, with their structured approach and physical intensity overwhelming a young Bihar side.
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Tamil Nadu also maintained their strong run, recording a convincing 3–0 win over Pondicherry. The southern side controlled proceedings throughout, showcasing disciplined defensive organisation complemented by sharp finishing. This victory followed closely on the heels of Tamil Nadu’s earlier big win against Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing their status as one of the most consistent teams in the group stages so far.
Elsewhere on December 21, Delhi registered the biggest scoreline of the day, thrashing Jharkhand 8–1 in a statement performance. Rajasthan continued their solid campaign with a 3–0 win over Maharashtra, while Uttarakhand edged Chandigarh 1–0 in a closely fought encounter. Andhra Pradesh claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Arunachal Pradesh secured a hard-fought 1–0 win against Sikkim. Uttar Pradesh and Haryana played out a 1–1 draw, a result that could prove costly for both sides in a group where every point matters.
Momentum building from earlier fixtures
The results on December 21 followed an eventful round of matches on December 19, which had already begun shaping early group narratives. Tamil Nadu announced their intent with a thumping 5–0 victory over Andhra Pradesh, setting the platform for their continued dominance. Maharashtra also impressed, defeating Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 4–0 to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Railways and Delhi played out a tense 0–0 draw in one of the more evenly matched fixtures of the group stage, while Rajasthan and Gujarat shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw an early indication that both sides could be vying for top spot. In the North East derby, Manipur overcame Mizoram 3–1, reaffirming their strong footballing tradition, while Ladakh edged past Himachal Pradesh 1–0 in a tightly contested fixture.
Other notable results from December 19 included Punjab FT’s 1–0 win over Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand’s narrow 1–0 victory against Bihar, and Pondicherry’s 2–1 win over Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Meghalaya suffered a setback with a 2–1 loss to Sikkim, while Nagaland and Tripura played out a 1–1 draw.
Qualification picture begins to emerge
As the group stage moves toward its decisive phase, the importance of goal difference and head-to-head results is becoming increasingly apparent. Teams like Gujarat, Railways and Tamil Nadu have not only collected points but have done so with authority, giving themselves a buffer that could prove decisive in the final standings.
For others, draws and narrow losses are already placing pressure on remaining fixtures. With only group winners advancing to the Final Round, consistency is paramount, and there is little room for recovery once momentum is lost.
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The Santosh Trophy has long served as a reflection of India’s diverse footballing landscape, blending traditional powerhouses with emerging regions eager to make their mark. As the 2025–26 edition progresses, the emphatic wins recorded over the past week have set a competitive benchmark. With several group matches still to be played, the battle for qualification promises to intensify, ensuring that the road to Dhakuakhana and Dhemaji remains fiercely contested until the final whistle of the group stage.
