ISL 2026-27 Kicks Off October 10 With 13 Teams
The Indian Super League 2026-27 season begins on October 10, returning to a full home-and-away format with 13 teams and 163 matches.
The eight-month campaign will run until May 2027. The top six teams will qualify for the playoffs to compete for the ISL Cup. The league stage winner will be crowned Shield winners and recognised as official champions.
East Bengal begin as defending champions. The Kolkata giants won their maiden ISL title in May 2026, finishing top of the table with 26 points, ahead of Mohun Bagan Super Giant on goal difference. The first Kolkata derby is on November 29 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
The 13 teams include Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United, Odisha FC, Punjab FC, Inter Kashi, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers, and Sporting Club Delhi. Churchill Brothers’ participation is subject to AIFF approval. Diamond Harbour FC, promoted from the IFL, will not take its slot after failing administrative criteria.
Why it matters: after a truncated 2025-26 season with 14 clubs playing only 13 matches each, the return to a proper league format gives fans a sustained eight-month campaign.
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