ISL 2026-27 season to start from October 10, returns to home-and-away format
The Indian Super League is set for a major reset, with the 2026-27 season beginning on October 10 and stretching until May 2027. The competition will return to its familiar home and away format, with the extended schedule set to run for nearly eight months.
The decision marks a significant departure from last season, when the ISL was forced into a shortened single-leg format. The 2025-26 campaign was compressed into a much smaller window after administrative and commercial uncertainty pushed back the start of the season.
The upcoming edition will also usher in a new club-led phase for the league. A total of 163 matches are scheduled to be played across the eight-month campaign.
Churchill Brothers are expected to come into the competition in place of Jamshedpur FC, although their participation is conditional on the club completing the required regulatory processes and obtaining the necessary approvals.
The return to the home and away system will also bring back the traditional league structure. The side that finishes first at the end of the league phase will be crowned Shield Winners and recognised as the official ISL champions. The league leaders will also secure a place in Asian competition.
The knockout race will continue separately, with the top six teams qualifying for the playoffs and competing for the ISL Cup.
A total of 13 teams are expected to feature in the 2026-27 season. The lineup comprises Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Inter Kashi FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC and Sporting Club Delhi.
There will also be a major change involving Diamond Harbour FC. The club had secured promotion to the ISL after winning the 2025 26 Indian Football League title, but failed to complete the administrative fee requirement needed to take up its place in the top flight.
As a result, Diamond Harbour FC will not be eligible to collect points during the upcoming season and will automatically be placed at the bottom of the standings.
The club will also lose its ISL status for the 2027 28 campaign and return to the Indian Football League in line with the competition’s promotion and relegation framework.
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