The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season began on 10 October 2026 under a new club-led commercial framework following an agreement between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and ISL clubs. The competition, which is in its 13th season since its launch in 2014, continues as India’s top-tier men’s professional football league.
The 2026-27 season features 13 participating clubs competing in a home-and-away league format, followed by playoffs to determine the champions. The campaign marks a significant change in the league’s commercial structure, with clubs collectively managing commercial operations while the AIFF retains its governance and regulatory responsibilities. With matches underway, attention is now on early results, team performances and the race for the playoffs.
Indian Super League 2026-27 Schedule
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season began on 10 October 2026. The competition is being played under the domestic football calendar announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), with fixtures scheduled around domestic competitions, AFC club tournaments and FIFA international windows.
The season features league-stage matches followed by playoffs to determine the champions. For the latest fixtures, match dates and results, readers can refer to the official ISL schedule and fixtures page.
Key Details of Indian Super League 2026-27
| Category | Details |
| Competition | Indian Super League (ISL) |
| Season | 2026-27 |
| Edition | 13th |
| Participating Clubs | 13 |
| Start Date | 10 October 2026 |
| Governing Body | All India Football Federation (AIFF) |
| Format | Home-and-away league followed by playoffs |
| Major Development | Club-led commercial operating model |
Participating Teams in ISL 2026–27
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season features 13 clubs competing in the country’s top-tier men’s professional football competition. Churchill Brothers SC joined the league after acquiring Jamshedpur FC’s sporting licence, bringing the Goan club into the ISL for the first time.
The participating clubs represent football centres across India, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Kolkata, Kochi, Mumbai, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, New Delhi and Varanasi.
| Club | Home City |
| Bengaluru FC | Bengaluru |
| Chennaiyin FC | Chennai |
| Churchill Brothers SC | Goa |
| East Bengal FC | Kolkata |
| FC Goa | Goa |
| Inter Kashi | Varanasi |
| Kerala Blasters FC | Kochi |
| Mohun Bagan Super Giant | Kolkata |
| Mumbai City FC | Mumbai |
| NorthEast United FC | Guwahati |
| Odisha FC | Bhubaneswar |
| Punjab FC | New Delhi |
| Sporting Club Delhi | New Delhi |
Churchill Brothers acquired Jamshedpur FC’s sporting licence and took over contracts of players and coaches.
Club-Led Commercial Model
The ISL 2026-27 season is being conducted under a club-led commercial model agreed upon by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and participating clubs. Under this arrangement, the clubs will collectively manage the league’s commercial operations, including broadcasting partnerships, sponsorships and revenue generation.
The AIFF will continue to oversee the competition’s governance, sporting regulations and administrative responsibilities. The model is intended to support the league’s long-term commercial sustainability while enabling clubs to play a greater role in its business operations.
Updated Player Regulations
Player eligibility and squad composition remain important considerations for clubs competing in the ISL 2026-27 season. The applicable regulations determine how clubs register players and select their squads throughout the competition.
For accurate information on Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) player eligibility and the requirement for Indian strikers, refer to the final AIFF regulations applicable to the 2026-27 season before publishing specific rule changes.
ISL 2026-27: Early Season Highlights
The ISL 2026-27 season has already produced several notable results. Bengaluru FC began their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Sporting Club Delhi on 10 October, while FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC played out a 1-1 draw on the same day.
Churchill Brothers SC also made a winning start to their first ISL campaign, defeating Mumbai City FC 2-1 on 11 October. On 18 October, defending champions East Bengal FC recorded a 4-0 win over Churchill Brothers SC, while NorthEast United FC defeated Kerala Blasters FC 4-1.
These early results have set the tone for the new campaign as clubs compete for points and position themselves for the remainder of the league stage. Readers can follow the official ISL fixtures and results for the latest updates.
What to Expect from the ISL 2026-27 Season
The ISL 2026-27 season marks an important phase for Indian club football, with 13 participating clubs competing under a club-led commercial model. The introduction of Churchill Brothers SC, the return to a home-and-away league format and the revised commercial arrangement are among the key developments shaping this campaign.
With the season underway, match results, team performances and the race for playoff qualification will remain central to the competition. Fans can follow the latest fixtures, standings and results through the official ISL website as the season progresses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Indian Super League 2026-27 season began on 10 October 2026. Readers can check the official ISL website for the latest fixtures and results.
Thirteen clubs are participating in the ISL 2026-27 season: Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers SC, 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.
Under the club-led commercial model, participating clubs collectively manage the league’s commercial operations, including sponsorships and broadcasting partnerships, while the AIFF retains its governance and sporting oversight responsibilities.
The ISL 2026-27 season follows a home-and-away league format, followed by playoffs to determine the champions. Check the official competition regulations for the detailed playoff structure.
You can check the latest match schedule, results and other competition updates on the official Indian Super League website.
