RFDL 2025-26: National Group Stage to kick off in Shillong, Navi Mumbai
12 teams advance from the zonal phase as the month-long National stage runs from February 24 to March 25 across two venues.
The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2025-26 will enter its National Group Stage on February 24, with 12 teams set to compete across two venues, Shillong and Navi Mumbai, following the completion of a competitive zonal phase.
View this post on Instagram
Group A matches will be staged at the SSA Stadium and the MFA Ground in Shillong, while Group B fixtures will take place at the Reliance Corporate Park facilities in Navi Mumbai. The National Group Stage will run until March 25, with teams vying for places in the knockout rounds.
Strong Zonal campaigns
The zonal stage delivered standout performances across groups. One side moved through unbeaten on the back of attacking sharpness, another topped its group with a balanced mix of defensive discipline and steady goal scoring, while elsewhere qualification was sealed by edging tightly contested fixtures with composure.
With zonal rivalries now giving way to cross-regional matchups, the competition is expected to intensify.
Heavyweights in Shillong
Group A features Sreenidi Deccan FC, Sudeva Delhi FC, Diamond Harbour FC, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
The group will get underway on February 24 with Sreenidi Deccan FC taking on Sudeva Delhi FC. The round-robin format ensures each team plays multiple matches across the month-long schedule, testing squad depth and adaptability.
Among the anticipated fixtures are Bengaluru FC’s clash with Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Diamond Harbour FC’s meeting with FC Goa. The final Group A matches are scheduled for March 23.
Navi Mumbai welcomes the challengers
Group B comprises Sesa FA, East Bengal FC, Punjab FC, Dempo SC, Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC.
Action in Navi Mumbai begins on February 25 with Sesa FA facing East Bengal FC. The group will feature several notable encounters, including Kerala Blasters FC against NorthEast United FC and Punjab FC against Dempo SC. The final Group B fixture is slated for March 25.
With qualification to the knockout stage at stake, the National Group Stage marks a decisive phase in the RFDL calendar. Teams must now adapt to unfamiliar opponents and sustain performance levels over multiple high-intensity fixtures.
As the tournament progresses through Shillong and Navi Mumbai, the league continues to serve as a key platform in India’s structured youth football pathway, offering emerging players exposure at the national level.
