The Indian Super League (ISL) returns to its regular home and away format, with Bengaluru FC hosting Sporting Club Delhi at the Kanteerava Stadium on October 10 in the tournament opener of the 13th season. In the ISL 2026-27 season, a total of 163 matches will be played.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on August 19 had announced that ISL 2026-27 will have 13 teams after Kolkata’s Diamond Habour FC failed to complete its outstanding participation-fee payment. The was played in a single leg format in the last season because of administrative delays.
, who won the League Winners’ Shield in the 2021-22 season, shut down their first team operations in August, and were replaced by Goan giants club . The schedule announced so far has 78 matches in its first phase, which will run from October 10 to January 17.
Each team will take on the other 12 sides once during the first phase. The phase 2 schedule, along with the dates for playoffs and the final will be announced later as the tournament progresses. East Bengal are the defending champions, having won their maiden title last season.
Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers, , FC Goa, Inter Kashi, Kerala Blasters FC, Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC and Sporting Club Delhi are the 13 teams competing in the ISL 2026-27.
The team finishing on top of the league table after the round-robin stage of ISL 2026-27 will be crowed as League Shield winners. The top four teams will progress to the playoffs and compete for the ISL Cup.
The East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant Kolkata derby is scheduled for November 29 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK). The arch-rivals have already played a a total of four derbies in the ongoing football season. Out of the four, Mohun Bagan Super Giant won twice – in Durand Cup league stage and IFA Shield final.
East Bengal emerged victorious once, beating their arch rivals in the Durand Cup final 4-1, while the Calcutta Football League (CFL) derby ended in a 1-1 draw.
The ISL has announced YouTube as its digital streaming partner for the 2026-27 season, with every match set to be available live and free on the platform. ISL has also partnered with Sony Sports Network to bring the League to television exclusively in India. As part of the deal, Sony LIV will offer live streaming of all 163 matches of the season.
