ISL 2026-27: Indian Super League Season 13 Kicks Off on October 10 as Home-and-Away Format Returns

The much-anticipated 2026-27 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) will officially kick off on Saturday, October 10, 2026, marking a significant return to its traditional home-and-away league format. The league confirmed the dates through its official social media channels today, promising football enthusiasts a thrilling campaign stretching until May 2027. India Football Squad Announced for International Friendlies Against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama.

Indian Super League 2026-27 kicks off on October 10

Last-gasp winners. Table tilts. Drama delivered. 🤯

Five teams went to battle for one coveted trophy in an ISL finale that had it all. And now, we go again. 🔥

Indian Super League 2026-27 kicks off on October 10. Are you ready? 🎬#ISL13 pic.twitter.com/J1UpDlk7Qa

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) September 5, 2026

This upcoming season, the 13th edition of India's premier football league, will see 13 teams competing for the coveted ISL League Winners' Shield and the ISL Cup. A total of 163 matches are scheduled, offering an extensive calendar of top-tier football action.

Return to Traditional Structure

After a truncated 2025-26 season that featured a single-leg round-robin format, the ISL is re-embracing its popular double round-robin, home-and-away structure for the 2026-27 campaign. This change is expected to amplify fan engagement and provide a more balanced competitive environment for the participating clubs. Furthermore, the playoffs, featuring the top six teams from the league stage, will make a welcome return to determine the ISL Cup champions.

East Bengal FC enter the 2026-27 season as the defending champions, having clinched their maiden ISL title in the 2025-26 campaign by virtue of a superior goal difference over arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Participating Teams

The 2026-27 season will feature 13 clubs, including some familiar names and a potential new entrant. While most teams are confirmed, the participation of Churchill Brothers FC remains subject to regulatory approval and clearance from the All India Football Federation (AIFF), following their acquisition of Jamshedpur FC's sporting licence.

Diamond Harbour FC, which earned promotion after winning the 2025-26 Indian Football League (IFL) title, will not take up its promoted ISL slot after failing to fulfil the administrative fee requirement.

Confirmed ISL 2026-27 Teams:

• East Bengal FC (Defending Champions)
• 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
• Sporting Club Delhi
• Churchill Brothers FC (Subject to AIFF Approval)

Where to Watch

For football fans in India, the domestic broadcast and digital streaming partners for the ISL 2026-27 season are yet to be officially confirmed. The tender process for these rights was issued in July 2026, with bids being evaluated. For the previous 2025-26 season, FanCode held exclusive global broadcast rights. Sony Sports Set To Bag Broadcast Rights For India’s International Football Friendlies Against Brazil, Uruguay, and Panama.

This season marks a new club-led era for the ISL, with participating teams taking a greater role in the league's direction, aiming to expand competitive football and foster a more sustainable ecosystem. With the confirmed start date and a return to a fan-favorite format, the ISL 2026-27 promises to be an exhilarating season for Indian football.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 01:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).