Mumbai, 26 September (H.S.): The schedule for the 2026-27 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has been released, with the new season set to begin on October 10, 2026. Two matches will be played on the opening day.

In the inaugural fixture, Bengaluru FC will take on Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium at 5 p.m. This will be followed by a clash between FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

A total of 13 teams will participate in the 2026-27 season, with 78 matches scheduled to be played in the first phase. Taking fan response into consideration, the league has placed particular emphasis on weekend fixtures. Of the 78 matches in the first phase, 53, or around 68 per cent, will be played on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. Most matches will kick off at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The participating teams in the season are Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Inter Kashi, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC and Sporting Club Delhi.

First-ever Goa derby

The 2026-27 season will feature several new fixtures and venues. On December 13, Churchill Brothers and FC Goa will meet at the Fatorda Stadium in what will be the first-ever Goa derby in the ISL. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m.

The league will also expand its footprint to Manipur. NorthEast United FC and Sporting Club Delhi will face each other at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on November 24.

East Bengal to begin title defence

Defending champions East Bengal FC will begin their title defence on October 18, when they face Churchill Brothers at the Fatorda Stadium at 5 p.m. Due to their AFC commitments, East Bengal will not feature in the opening week of the league.

The much-anticipated Kolkata derby will be played on November 29. East Bengal FC will host Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The match will begin at 7:30 p.m.

November international break

The ISL will observe a break from November 7 to November 20 owing to the FIFA international window. No league matches will be played during this period, allowing players to join their respective national teams for international duty.

The first phase will run from October 10, 2026, to January 17, 2027, with 78 matches to be played during this period. The top six teams will then qualify for the playoffs. The schedule for the second phase and the playoff matches will be announced at a later date.

The venue for Inter Kashi's home matches will also be announced later. The details will be released once the club confirms its home ground.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar