The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season, which faced numerous hurdles including delayed start and fixture changes, has culminated in an unprecedented title race on the final day. As many as five teams are mathematically in contention to lift the trophy, a scenario never seen before in the league's history.
Kolkata Derby Sets the Stage
In the first-ever ISL Kolkata derby with title implications, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal played out a dramatic 1-1 draw, with both teams scoring late goals. This result left the standings tightly packed at the top.
Current Points Table
- East Bengal: 23 points from 12 matches (GD +18)
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant: 23 points from 12 matches (GD +13)
- Bengaluru FC: 23 points from 13 matches (GD +6)
- Punjab FC: 22 points from 12 matches (GD +8)
- Mumbai City FC: 22 points from 12 matches (GD +6)
- Jamshedpur FC: 21 points from 12 matches (GD +5)
East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Bengaluru FC are level on 23 points, but Bengaluru have played their full quota of 13 games in this truncated season. Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC are on 22 points, while Jamshedpur FC have an outside chance with 21 points. The ISL champion will represent India in continental competitions.
Title Scenarios for Each Contender
East Bengal
East Bengal are in pole position. They could have been even better placed had they won the derby. The Red and Gold Brigade can win their first league title in 22 years if they beat Inter Kashi in their final match, provided Mohun Bagan do not defeat SC Delhi by a six-goal margin.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mohun Bagan do not control their own destiny. They need Inter Kashi to beat East Bengal, and then they must beat SC Delhi by a six-goal margin to surpass East Bengal's goal difference.
Bengaluru FC
Despite being level on points, Bengaluru FC are out of the title race as they have completed all 13 matches. They cannot add to their tally, and due to inferior head-to-head records against East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Mumbai City FC, and Punjab FC, they cannot finish top.
Punjab FC
Punjab FC can reach 25 points by beating Mumbai City FC in their final home game. To win the title, they need both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to lose or draw their matches. A draw for Punjab would not be enough.
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC must beat Punjab FC to have any chance. Additionally, they need East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to fail to win. A draw would not suffice since East Bengal hold the head-to-head advantage.
Jamshedpur FC
Jamshedpur FC need to beat Odisha FC and hope for a series of favourable results: Inter Kashi and SC Delhi must win or draw against East Bengal and Mohun Bagan respectively, while Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC must draw or lose.
The final day promises high drama as the ISL 2025-26 season concludes with a title race that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
