Mumbai, September 26: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season will start on Saturday, October 10, with Bengaluru FC taking on Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium at 5pm IST.
FC Goa then host Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium at 7.30pm IST to complete the opening-day double-header.
Thirteen clubs will play 78 Phase 1 matches between October 10, 2026 and January 17, 2027. The top six will go through to the playoffs. Phase 2 and playoff fixtures will be announced later.
Most matches at the weekend
The schedule is built on fan feedback. Of the 78 Phase 1 matches, 53 (68%) fall on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Most games will kick off at 5pm or 7.30pm IST.
The 13 clubs are Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Inter Kashi, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC and Sporting Club Delhi.
First Goa Derby and a match in Imphal
Churchill Brothers meet FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday, December 13, at 7.30pm IST. It will be the first Goa Derby in the ISL.
The league also goes to Manipur for the first time. NorthEast United FC play Sporting Club Delhi at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on November 24.
East Bengal start title defence on October 18
Defending champions East Bengal FC miss Game Week 1 because of their AFC commitments. They open their season against Churchill Brothers at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday, October 18, at 5pm IST.
The Kolkata Derby is on Sunday, November 29. East Bengal FC host Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan at 7.30pm IST.
November break
There will be no league matches during the FIFA international window from Saturday, November 7 to Friday, November 20, so players can join their national teams.
The venue for Inter Kashi’s home matches will be confirmed once the club confirms its home ground.
Read more: Mumbai City FC build for ISL 2026-27 under new coach Manolo Márquez.
