The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to return for its 2026-27 season on Saturday, with a double-header that brings together established contenders and new entrants as the league begins its latest campaign. The season opener will see Bengaluru FC take on Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium at 5:00 PM IST, followed by FC Goa facing Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium at 7:30 PM IST, as per a release. Built on fan feedback, the 2026-27 season will place a strong emphasis on weekend football, with 53 of the 78 Phase 1 matches (68%) scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. Matches will primarily be played at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM IST, offering fans more opportunities to follow the league over the weekend.
The venue for Inter Kashi’s home fixtures will be confirmed in due course once the club confirms its home ground. The break will provide players with the opportunity to join their respective national teams for international duty. East Bengal FC will be absent from Game Week 1 due to their AFC commitments.
The 13 participating clubs for 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. The league will also expand its footprint into Manipur, with NorthEast United FC taking on Sporting Club Delhi at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal, on November 24, 2026. Meanwhile, defending champions East Bengal FC will begin their title defence on Sunday, October 18, when they face Churchill Brothers at the Fatorda Stadium at 5:00 PM IST. The ISL will pause for the FIFA international window from Saturday, November 7, to Friday, November 20, 2026, with no league matches scheduled during this period. Phase 1 will feature 78 matches from October 10, 2026, to January 17, 2027, with the top six teams advancing to the playoffs. Phase 2 and playoff fixtures will be announced at a later date.
