The Indian Super League (ISL) continues to be the heartbeat of Indian football, and the ISL Schedule 2026 is poised to deliver another thrilling chapter in the league’s journey. Following the success of the 2024-25 season, which concludes in April 2025, the 12th edition of the ISL is expected to kick off in September 2026, running through March 2027, with playoffs in April. With 14 teams set to compete in the 2025-26 season and plans for further expansion, the ISL Schedule 2026 promises a packed calendar of 182 matches, blending intense rivalries, new talent, and football fever across India. This article offers a speculative yet detailed look at the Indian Super League Schedule 2026, including full fixtures, dates, timings, venues, and key stats, giving fans a roadmap to plan their football-watching experience. Let’s dive into what could be an epic season!
IPL 2026 Schedule Time Table: Full Fixtures
ISL 2025-26 Context: Setting the Stage for 2026
Before exploring the ISL Schedule 2026, let’s ground ourselves in the current landscape. The 2024-25 season, underway as of April 4, 2025, features 13 teams, including newcomers Mohammedan SC, and will wrap up with the ISL Cup final on April 12, 2025. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defending League Shield winners, lead the pack, while Mumbai City FC defend their 2023-24 Cup title. The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Vision 2047 roadmap hints at significant changes by 2026, with the ISL expanding to 14 teams for the 2025-26 season, adding a promoted I-League side. This sets the stage for the ISL Schedule 2026, which could maintain 14 teams or grow further, depending on the AIFF’s plans for 40 clubs across three tiers by 2026. For this article, we’ll assume a 14-team format, aligning with the projected growth.
ISL Schedule 2026: Expected Format and Timeline
The ISL Schedule 2026 will likely follow the established structure: a league phase from September 2026 to March 2027, followed by playoffs in April. With 14 teams, each playing 26 matches (13 home, 13 away), the regular season would feature 182 matches—up from 156 in 2024-25. The top two teams will advance directly to the semi-finals, while 3rd to 6th-placed teams battle in knockout rounds, culminating in the ISL Cup final. Match timings will stick to the fan-friendly slots of 7:30 PM IST for single headers and 5:00 PM/7:30 PM IST for double-headers on weekends. The ISL Schedule 2026 will span iconic venues across India, balancing tradition with new footballing hubs.
Since the official ISL Schedule 2026 won’t be released until mid-2026, this is a speculative timetable based on past seasons, the 2025 calendar, and expected growth. Here’s what fans can anticipate.
Indian Super League Schedule 2026: Full Fixtures, Dates, Timings, and Venues
Below is a predicted ISL Schedule 2026 for the league phase, covering September 2026 to March 2027. Playoff dates (April 2027) will depend on final standings and are excluded here. This table includes a mix of early-season fixtures, key derbies, and a snapshot of the season’s flow. All timings are in IST.
ISL Schedule 2026: September 2026 Fixtures
| Date | Fixture | Venu | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11, 2026 | Mohun Bagan SG vs Mumbai City FC | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Bengaluru FC vs East Bengal FC | Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| Sep 13, 2026 | Kerala Blasters vs Punjab FC | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi | 5:00 PM |
| Sep 13, 2026 | Odisha FC vs Chennaiyin FC | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar | 7:30 PM |
| Sep 18, 2026 | FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC | Fatorda Stadium, Goa | 7:30 PM |
| Sep 19, 2026 | Mohammedan SC vs NorthEast United | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
ISL Schedule 2026: October 2026 Fixtures
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3, 2026 | East Bengal FC vs Mohammedan SC | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Hyderabad FC vs Mohun Bagan SG | GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad | 5:00 PM |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Punjab FC vs Odisha FC | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa | Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
ISL Schedule 2026: January 2027 Fixtures
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 9, 2027 | Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata | 5:00 PM |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Kerala Blasters vs Hyderabad FC | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 16, 2027 | NorthEast United vs Punjab FC | Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
ISL Schedule 2026: March 2027 Fixtures (Final League Matches)
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2027 | Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC | JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur | 5:00 PM |
| Mar 13, 2027 | Mohammedan SC vs Mohun Bagan SG | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| Mar 14, 2027 | FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters | Fatorda Stadium, Goa | 7:30 PM |
| Mar 15, 2027 | East Bengal FC vs Odisha FC | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
Note: This is a speculative ISL Schedule 2026. Actual fixtures, dates, and venues will be confirmed by the ISL organizers in mid-2026.
Teams in ISL Schedule 2026
Assuming a 14-team lineup for the ISL Schedule 2026, here’s the expected roster based on 2024-25 teams plus one more I-League promotion:
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant
- Mumbai City FC
- East Bengal FC
- Bengaluru FC
- Kerala Blasters FC
- FC Goa
- Chennaiyin FC
- Odisha FC
- Punjab FC
- Hyderabad FC
- Jamshedpur FC
- NorthEast United FC
- Mohammedan SC
- [TBD – I-League 2025-26 Winner, e.g., Gokulam Kerala or Churchill Brothers]
The addition of a 14th team, likely from the I-League’s 2025-26 season, aligns with the AIFF’s plan to expand the ISL to 14 clubs by 2026, as part of Vision 2047’s first four-year cycle.
Venues for ISL Schedule 2026
The ISL Schedule 2026 will feature matches across 14 home venues, reflecting each team’s base:
- Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata: Shared by Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, and Mohammedan SC.
- Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi: Kerala Blasters FC.
- Fatorda Stadium, Goa: FC Goa.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai: Chennaiyin FC.
- Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi: Punjab FC (temporary).
- GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC.
- JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur FC.
- Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati: NorthEast United FC (early season).
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong: NorthEast United FC (later matches).
- Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai: Mumbai City FC.
- TBD Venue: New team’s home ground (e.g., Nehru Stadium, Goa, for Churchill Brothers).
These venues ensure the ISL Schedule 2026 covers India’s football heartlands while introducing new regions with the 14th team.
Key Matches to Watch in ISL Schedule 2026
The ISL Schedule 2026 will spotlight several blockbuster fixtures:
- Kolkata Derby (Jan 10, 2027): Mohun Bagan SG vs. East Bengal FC at Salt Lake Stadium, a clash of titans with historical baggage.
- Southern Rivalry (Mar 14, 2027): FC Goa vs. Kerala Blasters, a late-season thriller that could impact playoff spots.
- Opening Clash (Sep 11, 2026): Mohun Bagan SG vs. Mumbai City FC, pitting Shield and Cup holders in a tone-setter.
- Newcomer’s Test (Sep 19, 2026): Mohammedan SC vs. NorthEast United, showcasing the debutants’ mettle.
These games in the ISL Schedule 2026 will draw massive crowds and TV audiences, fueling rivalries and playoff drama.
How ISL Schedule 2026 Builds on 2025
The ISL Schedule 2026 will evolve from the 2024-25 season’s lessons. The addition of Mohammedan SC in 2024-25 brought six Kolkata derbies, a hit with fans, and the 14th team in 2025-26 will add more variety. The 2025 season’s double-header weekends (5:00 PM and 7:30 PM IST) boosted viewership, a trend likely to continue in 2026. With no relegation yet (despite Vision 2047’s roadmap), the focus remains on promotion, ensuring fresh faces like the 14th team enhance the Indian Super League Schedule 2026. The playoff format—top two to semi-finals, 3rd-6th in knockouts—will stay, keeping the season’s climax unpredictable.
Broadcasting and Viewing Options
Fans can follow the ISL Schedule 2026 via:
- TV: Sports 18 channels (English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam) and regional options like Asianet Plus.
- Streaming: JioHotstar, offering free access in multiple languages with plans from INR 149 for three months.
The ISL Schedule 2026 will cater to global audiences, with timings optimized for evening viewership in India and morning slots in Europe or late-night in the Americas.
Why ISL Schedule 2026 Will Be Special
The ISL Schedule 2026 marks a pivotal moment in Indian football’s growth. With 14 teams, the league will test squad depth and fan loyalty like never before. The Kolkata trio—Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan—will dominate headlines, while southern powerhouses like Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC vie for supremacy. The new team’s entry will bring fresh narratives, possibly from a region like Goa or the Northeast, expanding the ISL’s footprint. The ISL Schedule 2026 will blend tradition with innovation, setting the stage for Vision 2047’s ambitious 40-club ecosystem by 2027.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for ISL 2026
The ISL Schedule 2026 promises a football carnival from September 2026 to April 2027, with 182 matches across 14 venues, showcasing India’s best talent and fiercest rivalries. While this speculative schedule offers a glimpse, the official Indian Super League Schedule 2026 will drop on indiansuperleague.com around July 2026. Until then, use this guide to dream of Kolkata derbies, southern showdowns, and the new team’s debut. Grab your calendars, rally your friends, and get ready for another season of “Let’s Football” with the Indian Super League Schedule 2026! For any Digital Marketing work just Google Karlo