ISL Kicks Off October 10 In Home-and-Away Format

The Indian Super League (ISL) will kick off on October 10 and run through May 2027, returning to its traditional home-and-away format. This season will feature 163 matches across eight months of competition.

The 2026-27 edition will be staged in a new club-led era, with 13 teams competing in the league. The teams include 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.

Churchill Brothers' participation in the upcoming season will remain subject to the club fulfilling the necessary regulatory requirements and securing the required approvals. They are set to replace Jamshedpur FC.

The ISL will return to the traditional round-robin, home-and-away format, with the team finishing on top of the table at the end of the league stage being crowned the Shield Winners. The Shield Winners will also earn a slot in Asian competition. The play-off format will also make a comeback, with the top-six teams competing for the ISL Cup.

Diamond Harbour FC, who earned promotion to the ISL after winning the 2025-26 Indian Football League title, failed to fulfil the administrative fee requirement for the 2026-27 season and did not take up their promoted slot. As a result, they will not be eligible to earn points this season and will be placed at the bottom of the table by default. They will also lose their ISL status for 2027-28 and compete in the IFL that season.

The ISL's return to the traditional home-and-away format is expected to bring more excitement and competition to the league. The marathon eight-month league will feature many thrilling matches, and fans are eagerly waiting for the season to begin.

The Indian Super League has grown in popularity over the years, and this season is expected to be one of the most competitive ones yet. With 13 teams competing, the league will feature many talented players and coaches, and fans can expect to see some thrilling matches.

In recent years, the ISL has played a crucial role in promoting Indian football, and this season is expected to be no different. The league has provided a platform for Indian players to showcase their skills, and many have gone on to represent the country in international competitions.

The ISL's impact on Indian football cannot be overstated. The league has helped to increase the popularity of the sport, and many young players are now aspiring to play in the ISL. The league's success has also led to an increase in investment in Indian football, and many clubs are now investing heavily in their youth academies and infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Indian Super League is all set to kick off on October 10, and fans can expect a thrilling season of football. With 13 teams competing in the traditional home-and-away format, the league is expected to be one of the most competitive ones yet. The ISL's impact on Indian football is expected to continue, and many young players are now aspiring to play in the league.

The upcoming season of the ISL is expected to be a significant one for Mumbai City FC, who will be looking to make a strong impact in the league. The team has been working hard in the pre-season, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how they will perform.

Overall, the Indian Super League is an exciting and competitive league that has played a crucial role in promoting Indian football. The upcoming season is expected to be one of the most thrilling ones yet, and fans can expect to see many talented players and coaches in action.