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ISL 2026-27 season returns October 10 with 13 teams
The next Indian Super League season will start on October 10.
It is expected to finish in May 2027.
Thirteen teams are scheduled to play 163 matches.
Teams will play at home and away venues again.
The six best teams will enter the playoffs.
The playoff winner will receive the ISL Cup.
Churchill Brothers still need official approval to play.
Diamond Harbour FC earned promotion but cannot participate because it did not meet an administrative fee requirement.
The 2026-27 Indian Super League season will begin on October 10 and run until May 2027.
Thirteen teams are scheduled to play 163 matches in the competition.
The league will return to a traditional home-and-away format after recent structural changes.
The top six teams will qualify for playoffs and compete for the ISL Cup.
Churchill Brothers’ participation remains subject to regulatory approval, while promoted Diamond Harbour FC will miss the season.
- Who
- Thirteen scheduled ISL teams, including defending champions East Bengal and expected entrants Churchill Brothers.
- What
- The 2026-27 Indian Super League season will feature 163 matches, a home-and-away format, and playoffs.
- Where
- Matches will be played across the participating teams’ home venues in India.
- When
- The season starts on October 10, 2026, and is scheduled to run until May 2027.
- Why
- The league is restoring its traditional competition structure, while Churchill Brothers’ participation depends on regulatory clearance and Diamond Harbour FC failed to meet an administrative fee requirement.
Key facts
- Start date
- October 10, 2026
- Scheduled end
- May 2027
- Scheduled teams
- 13
- Total matches
- 163
- Competition format
- Traditional home-and-away format
- Playoffs
- The top six teams qualify for the knockout stage and compete for the ISL Cup
- Participation issue
- Churchill Brothers require regulatory approval and All India Football Federation clearance
Sources
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