ISL 2025/26 Fixtures Unveiled: Season to Kick Off with Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters Clash
In a significant development for Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially announced the complete fixture list for the much-anticipated 2025/26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL). This announcement comes as a relief after months of uncertainty that threatened the league's very existence due to off-field commercial disputes.
Opening Day Showdown at Salt Lake Stadium
The season will commence on February 14, 2026, with a blockbuster opening match featuring the defending champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, taking on Kerala Blasters at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Mohun Bagan, who made history last season by becoming the first team to secure both the ISL Shield and the Cup, will look to start their title defense on a high note in front of their home supporters.
Later on the same day, FC Goa will host the newly-promoted side Inter Kashi at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. The opening day will feature a double-header, with the first match scheduled for 5:00 PM IST and the second at 7:30 PM IST. This timing pattern will be consistent throughout the season: double-header days will see matches at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, while single-match days will have a kick-off time of 7:30 PM IST.
League Structure and Format Details
The 2025/26 ISL season will see 14 participating teams compete in a single-leg round-robin format. This means each team will play a total of 13 matches during the league stage, facing every other team once. The team that finishes at the top of the table at the conclusion of the league stage on May 11, 2026, will be crowned the ISL 2025/26 champions. The league stage will culminate with Sporting Club Delhi hosting Inter Kashi FC in New Delhi.
The AIFF stated, "The fixtures have been finalised following consultations with participating clubs and relevant stakeholders." This collaborative approach aims to ensure a smooth and competitive season.
Overcoming Challenges and Remaining Uncertainties
The announcement marks a positive step forward for a league that faced severe disruption. The impasse stemmed from the expiration of a 15-year commercial rights agreement between the AIFF and Reliance Sports on December 8, 2025. With negotiations between the federation and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) at a standstill, ISL clubs were informed in July 2025 that the season would be indefinitely delayed. A subsequent tender for a new partner in November received no bids, heightening concerns about the league's future.
Despite the progress, several logistical details remain unresolved:
- The home venues for Mumbai City FC, Odisha FC, and Inter Kashi FC are yet to be confirmed.
- While digital streaming platform FanCode has secured exclusive broadcasting rights, the television channel that will air the matches is still undetermined.
Nevertheless, the release of the fixture list is a crucial milestone, signaling a move towards normalcy and offering hope to fans and players alike after a period of significant turmoil.
