ISL 2026-27 schedule: Phase 1 fixtures announced, 68 percent matches on weekends
Bengaluru FC will kick off the 2026-27 Indian Super League season at home against Sporting Club Delhi, with the two sides set to meet at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on October 10. Later that day, FC Goa will host Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium in the second fixture of the opening day.
The new ISL campaign is set to feature a greater focus on weekend matches, with 53 of the 78 games in Phase 1 scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. The organisers said the move was made following feedback from fans.
A total of 13 clubs will compete in the 2026-27 season: 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.
The upcoming campaign will also introduce new match-ups and venues to the league. One of the major additions will be the Goa Derby, with Churchill Brothers facing FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium on December 13 in what will be the first meeting between the two sides in ISL history.
Manipur will also host an ISL fixture for the first time, with NorthEast United FC scheduled to welcome Sporting Club Delhi to the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on November 24.
East Bengal FC, meanwhile, will start their title defence on October 18 against Churchill Brothers in Goa. The reigning champions will miss the opening gameweek because of their AFC commitments.
The first Kolkata Derby of the season is scheduled for November 29, when East Bengal FC will host Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
The league will take a break during the November FIFA international window, with no ISL matches scheduled between November 7 and 20. The pause will allow players selected for national duty to join their respective international teams.
Phase 1 of the season will run from October 10, 2026 to January 17, 2027, featuring 78 matches. The top six teams at the end of the phase will progress to the playoffs, while the schedule for Phase 2 and the playoff stage will be released later.
Inter Kashi's home venue has not yet been finalised, with confirmation expected once the club finalises its home ground.ISL 2026-27: FULL PHASE 1 FIXTURES
