Archive · 5 Sep 2026
ISL 2026-27 Returns October 10 With Home-Away Format
The next Indian Super League season is planned to start on October 10.
It will continue until May 2027.
Thirteen teams are scheduled to play 163 matches.
Teams will play each other at home and away.
The team finishing first will win the Shield and be recognised as the official league champion.
That team will also get a place in Asian club competition.
The six best teams will play in a separate knockout competition for the ISL Cup.
Churchill Brothers may join if it receives the required approvals.
Diamond Harbour earned promotion but cannot take its place because it did not meet an administrative fee requirement.
Most reports say Diamond Harbour will return to the Indian Football League in 2027-28, while one report says it will not play there during 2026-27 either.
The 2026-27 Indian Super League season is scheduled to begin on October 10 and run through May 2027.
Thirteen teams are listed to play 163 matches over an eight-month campaign.
The league will restore its traditional home-and-away, round-robin format under a new club-led model.
The table-topping team will win the Shield and an Asian competition place, while the top six will contest the ISL Cup playoffs.
Churchill Brothers FC remain subject to regulatory approval, while promoted Diamond Harbour FC will not take part after missing the administrative fee requirement.
- Who
- Thirteen listed teams, including defending champions East Bengal FC and prospective participants Churchill Brothers FC.
- What
- The 2026-27 ISL season will feature 163 matches, a home-and-away league stage and playoffs for the top six teams.
- When
- The season is scheduled to start on October 10, 2026, and run until May 2027.
- Where
- The articles identify the competition as the Indian Super League but do not specify individual match venues.
- Why
- The league is returning to its traditional format under a new club-led model, with clubs taking a greater role in decisions and direction.
- Start date
- October 10, 2026
- Scheduled end
- May 2027
- Teams listed
- 13
- Scheduled matches
- 163 over eight months
- League format
- Traditional home-and-away round robin
- Championship structure
- The team finishing first wins the Shield and is recognised as the official ISL champion; the top six enter the ISL Cup playoffs.
- Churchill Brothers status
- Participation remains subject to regulatory requirements and approvals, including clearance referenced from the All India Football Federation in one report.
- Diamond Harbour status
- The promoted club failed to meet the administrative fee requirement, will not play in the ISL and will be placed at the bottom without earning points; reports differ over its 2026-27 Indian Football League participation, while several state a return in 2027-28.
Sources
ISL 2026-27 season to get underway on 10 October, to feature 13 teams; competition returns to home-and-away format
ISL To kick Off On October 10, Returns To Traditional Home-and-Away Format
Indian Super League 2026-27 Season To Begin On October 10
ISL Kicks Off On October 10: Longer Season, Home-Away Format Returns
