Actor Tiger Shroff named in Durand Cup squad, likely to make professional debut
Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff has been named in Mumbay FC‘s squad for the Durand Cup 2026, with the club exploring the possibility of fielding him during the football tournament.
The 36-year-old actor has been added to the squad for the 135th edition of the competition, though the club is still working on the logistics of his potential appearance.
Born Jai Hemant Shroff on March 2, 1990, Tiger Shroff is known for starring in action films such as Baaghi and War. He is the son of veteran actor Jackie Shroff and producer Ayesha Dutt.
Mumbay FC technical director Zoheb Khan said the club is planning for Shroff to travel for one of the team’s matches but added that security considerations remain a key factor.
“People can gather around, and it could be chaotic,” Zoheb told Sportstar.
Shroff is currently training with the team.
Zoheb said he first noticed Shroff’s footballing ability during an influencers’ league in 2023. Impressed by his technical understanding, he invited the actor to train with the club after its formation in 2024.
“He has that technical understanding of the game,” Zoheb said. “When we found the club, I asked him to come and join us for practice sessions. He likes that slide tackle, those dribbling 1v1 moments. And soon, he said, ‘Let’s play a professional game’.”
Mumbay FC have been drawn in Group E alongside Shillong Lajong FC, Langsning FC and Nongkseh SS&CC for the Durand Cup 2026.
The Mumbai-based club open their campaign against Langsning FC on August 3 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong before facing Shillong Lajong FC on August 8 and Nongkseh SS&CC on August 11 at the same venue.
First held in 1888, the Durand Cup is the world’s third-oldest football cup competition and the oldest in Asia. The 2026 edition features 24 teams from the Indian Super League, Indian Football League, I-League 2, the Armed Forces and Sri Lanka’s Defenders FC.
Mumbay FC Durand Cup 2026 schedule
- August 3, Monday: Mumbay FC vs Langsning FC – 7:00 PM
- August 8, Saturday: Mumbay FC vs Shillong Lajong FC – 4:00 PM
- August 11, Tuesday: Mumbay FC vs Nongkseh SS&CC – 7:00 PM
