The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season is set to begin on October 10, 2026, with the competition returning to its traditional home-and-away format. The 13th edition of the league will run until May 2027, bringing back a longer domestic campaign after last season’s shortened format.
The upcoming season will feature 13 clubs, although Churchill Brothers FC’s participation remains subject to regulatory approval. The participating teams are East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters FC, FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC, Inter Kashi FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC and Sporting Club Delhi.
East Bengal Enter as Defending Champions
East Bengal FC, who topped the 2025-26 league standings with 26 points, will begin the new campaign as the defending ISL champions. Under the new club-led structure, the team finishing at the top of the league table will be crowned Shield Winners, recognised as the official ISL champions, while also earning a spot in Asian competition.
Playoffs Return
The ISL will also bring back its traditional playoff stage. The top six teams at the end of the league phase will qualify for the playoffs, with the eventual winner lifting the ISL Trophy.
Across the eight-month campaign, a total of 163 matches, including playoff fixtures, are scheduled to be played.
Diamond Harbour FC Miss Out
Diamond Harbour FC, who secured promotion after winning the Indian Football League 2025-26, will not participate in the upcoming ISL season after failing to fulfil the required administrative criteria.
As a result, the club will be placed at the bottom of the league standings by default and relegated to the Indian Football League for the 2027-28 season.
With the return of home-and-away fixtures, the reinstatement of playoffs and a longer eight-month calendar, the 2026-27 season promises to mark a significant return to the traditional ISL format.
Picture Courtesy: East Bengal Media
