The 2026-27 Indian Super League season kicks off on October 10 with a action-packed schedule featuring weekend-heavy fixtures, new venues, and the first-ever ISL Goa Derby.
Bengaluru FC will take on Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium to open the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season on October 10. The opening day will also see FC Goa face Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium.
Organisers announced that the Phase 1 schedule, built on fan feedback, places a heavy emphasis on weekend matches. Out of 78 Phase 1 games taking place between October 10, 2026, and January 17, 2027, 53 matches (68%) are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
The 13 participating clubs for the campaign 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.
New rivalries and destinations highlight the new calendar. On December 13, Churchill Brothers will play FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium in the first-ever ISL Goa Derby. Additionally, the league will enter Manipur on November 24, when NorthEast United FC host Sporting Club Delhi at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal.
Defending champions East Bengal FC will miss Game Week 1 due to AFC commitments, beginning their title defence on October 18 against Churchill Brothers at Fatorda Stadium. The Kolkata Derby between East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant is set for November 29 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
The league will take an international pause for the FIFA window from November 7 to November 20. Following Phase 1, the top six teams will qualify for the playoffs. Phase 2 and playoff details will be released later, while Inter Kashi's home ground will be confirmed once finalized by the club.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.