Mumbai, September 5: The Indian Super League (ISL) will kick off on October 10, marking the beginning of a new club-led era for India’s top-tier football competition. The 2026-27 season will run until May 2027.
The league will return to its traditional home-and-away format. The team finishing at the top of the table after the league stage will be crowned the ISL Shield Winners and recognised as the official champions of the league. The Shield winners will also earn a place in Asian competition.
The season will also see the return of the play-off system. The top six teams at the end of the league stage will compete for the ISL Cup, adding another major prize to the eight-month campaign.
A total of 163 matches are scheduled to be played during this season of ISL scheduled to kick off on October 10.
The 2026-27 campaign represents a major shift in the structure and governance of the ISL. The league’s clubs have joined hands with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to steer the competition in a new direction.
Under the club-led model, the participating teams will have a greater role in determining the league’s decisions and future direction. The model aims to create a stronger and more competitive football calendar. It also seeks to encourage greater investment in Indian players and build a more sustainable ecosystem for the sport.
Thirteen teams are currently set to compete in the league in a round-robin, home-and-away format. However, Churchill Brothers FC’s participation remains subject to regulatory approvals.
The teams listed for the 2026-27 season are Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Inter Kashi FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC and Sporting Club Delhi.
Meanwhile, Diamond Harbour FC will not take up their promoted place in the ISL. The club earned promotion after winning the 2025-26 Indian Football League but failed to fulfil the administrative fee requirement for the upcoming season.
In line with the league’s promotion-and-relegation principle, Diamond Harbour FC will not be eligible to earn points in the 2026-27 ISL. The club will consequently be placed at the bottom of the standings and will not retain its ISL status for the 2027-28 season. It will return to the Indian Football League next season.
