The Shillong Sports Association (SSA) has unveiled the trophy for the SSA Champions Cup 2026, with the tournament scheduled to begin on November 3 and conclude with the final in early December. SSA president and MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh led the unveiling ceremony in the presence of association officials, players and representatives of the 10 participating clubs.
Each qualifying club received ₹50,000 to support its preparations. The competition will bring together champions and runners-up from all five men’s divisions under the SSA. With defending champions Nongkseh absent, the tournament will crown a new winner this year.
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Key Facts About SSA Champions Cup 2026
- Tournament: SSA Champions Cup 2026
- Organiser: Shillong Sports Association
- Opening date: November 3, 2026
- Final: Early December 2026
- Participating teams: 10 clubs
- Opening match: Mawlai vs Lamlynti
- Match time: 2:30 pm
- Venue: SSA Stadium, Shillong
- Financial assistance: ₹50,000 per qualifying club
- Previous champions: Nongkseh, winners of the inaugural 2025 edition
SSA Champions Cup 2026 to Feature 10 Clubs
The SSA Champions Cup brings together the champions and runners-up from the association’s five men’s divisions. As a result, clubs from different levels of Shillong football will compete for the same trophy.
The 10 teams have been divided into two groups. Each group features five clubs, and the top two teams will advance to the semi-finals.
Group A
- Mawlai — Shillong Premier League (SPL) champions
- Nongkrem — First Division runners-up
- Mawpat — Second Division champions
- Lamlynti — Third Division runners-up
- Mawpdang — Fourth Division champions
Group B
- Shillong Lajong — SPL runners-up
- Mawkhar — First Division champions
- Sohryngkham — Second Division runners-up
- Sanmer — Third Division champions
- Sei La Sap FCC — Fourth Division runners-up
Mawlai to Face Lamlynti in Opening Match
The tournament will begin on November 3 with an opening match between Mawlai and Lamlynti at 2:30 pm at the SSA Stadium in Shillong.
Mawlai enter the competition as Shillong Premier League champions, while Lamlynti qualified as Third Division runners-up. Their opening encounter will give both sides an early opportunity to establish themselves in Group A.
Meanwhile, the remaining teams will compete for places in the semi-finals. Only the top two clubs from each group will progress to the knockout stage.
Player Loan Rules Aim to Balance Competition
The SSA has introduced different player eligibility rules to help maintain a balanced competition.
Clubs from the Second, Third and Fourth Divisions can sign up to five players from other local clubs on loan. However, teams from the Shillong Premier League and First Division must field players already registered with the SSA.
These rules aim to give lower-division clubs a better opportunity to compete against stronger opponents.
In addition, every qualifying club has received ₹50,000 from the association to help cover tournament preparations.
Defending Champions Nongkseh to Miss Tournament
Nongkseh, who won the inaugural Champions Cup in 2025, will not participate this year after finishing third in the Shillong Premier League.
Last year, Nongkseh defeated Shillong Lajong 2-1 after extra time in front of a packed SSA Stadium. Consequently, their absence guarantees a new champion for the 2026 edition.
Shillong Lajong remain the only club returning for a second consecutive Champions Cup appearance. The club finished runners-up in both the SPL and the inaugural Champions Cup in 2025.
SSA President Highlights Development of Local Football
During the trophy unveiling ceremony, SSA president and MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh congratulated the participating clubs. He also expressed the association’s commitment to working closely with teams to make the second edition more successful.
Furthermore, Lyngdoh highlighted the SSA’s long-term goal of helping local footballers secure opportunities with major clubs across India and earn places in the national team.
The Champions Cup provides a platform for players from different divisions to demonstrate their abilities and gain valuable competitive experience.
Why the Tournament Matters for Meghalaya Football
Shillong has a strong football culture, and local competitions play an important role in developing emerging players across Meghalaya and Northeast India.
By bringing together 10 clubs from five divisions, the SSA Champions Cup offers players an opportunity to compete at a higher level. The tournament also gives supporters a chance to watch leading local teams compete for one title.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the SSA Champions Cup 2026 begin?
The tournament begins on November 3, 2026, and the final is scheduled for early December.
2. Which teams will play the opening match?
Mawlai will face Lamlynti at 2:30 pm at the SSA Stadium in Shillong.
3. How many teams will participate?
Ten clubs, representing champions and runners-up from five SSA men’s divisions, will compete.
4. Who won the inaugural Champions Cup in 2025?
Nongkseh won the inaugural title after defeating Shillong Lajong 2-1 in extra time.
5. How will teams qualify for the semi-finals?
The top two teams from each of the two groups will advance to the semi-finals.