Indian football fans, breathe a sigh of relief. After a turbulent off-season filled with administrative uncertainty and a five-month delay, the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season officially returns today, February 14, 2026.
This isn’t just another season; it’s a high-stakes sprint. With a condensed timeline and a brand-new format, every single match now carries the weight of a final. Here is everything you need to know about the most unique season in ISL history.
1. The “Sprint” Format: No Room for Error
Due to the delayed start, the league has undergone a massive structural change. Forget the long marathons of previous years; 2026 is all about immediate impact.
- Single Round-Robin: For the first time, the home-and-away format is gone. Every team plays each other only once.
- No Playoffs: The traditional semi-finals and grand finale have been scrapped. The team that finishes at the top of the table after 13 rounds will be crowned the ISL Champions.
- Relegation is Real: The stakes at the bottom are just as high, with the last-placed team facing relegation to the I-League.
2. The Newcomers and Rebrands
The league expands to 14 teams this year, bringing fresh energy and new territories into the fold:
- Inter Kashi: Making their historic debut, Inter Kashi officially puts Uttar Pradesh on the top-tier map. Led by the legendary Antonio Habas, they are the dark horses to watch.
- Sporting Club Delhi: Following the relocation and rebranding of Hyderabad FC, top-flight football returns to the capital. Backed by the BC Jindal Group, they’re looking to build a new legacy at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
- Mohammedan SC: The Kolkata giants are back in the top flight, ensuring the “City of Joy” remains the beating heart of Indian football.
3. The Title Contenders
| Team | Why They’re Favorites | Key Player |
| Mohun Bagan SG | Defending champions with a “Galactico” squad and Sergio Lobera at the helm. | Jamie Maclaren |
| Mumbai City FC | Tactically disciplined under Petr Kratky; retained a strong core despite the exodus. | Lallianzuala Chhangte |
| FC Goa | Fresh off a strong Super Cup run and looking lethal in their home fortress. | Sandesh Jhingan |
| Bengaluru FC | Under Renedy Singh, they’ve pivoted to a hungry, youth-heavy approach. | Sunil Chhetri |
4. Opening Weekend Blockbusters
The season starts with a bang today. If you haven’t cleared your schedule, now is the time:
- Mohun Bagan SG vs. Kerala Blasters FC
- Time: 5:00 PM IST
- Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
- The Narrative: The defending champs vs. the “Yellow Army.” With the Blasters losing stars like Adrian Luna in the off-season, can their young Indian core silence the Kolkata crowd?
- FC Goa vs. Inter Kashi
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Goa
- The Narrative: A baptism by fire for the debutants. Inter Kashi faces a seasoned Goa side in one of the toughest away venues in the league.
5. Where to Watch
Don’t miss a single minute of the 91-match frenzy.
- Live Stream: FanCode (App & Website)
- Broadcast: Sony Sports Network (Official Telecast)
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the May 3rd Kolkata Derby. In a single round-robin format, that match might very well decide the entire league title.