ISL 2026-27 Schedule: Phase 1 Fixtures, Opening Match and Key Dates
ISL 2026-27 Phase 1 begins October 10 with 78 matches, including 53 weekend fixtures, new venues and major derbies.
The Indian Super League (ISL) has announced the Phase 1 schedule for the 2026-27 season, with the campaign beginning on October 10. Bengaluru FC will host Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the opening match, while FC Goa will face Chennaiyin FC later the same day.
The first phase will feature 78 matches, with 53 scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. The league said the weekend-heavy calendar was introduced after receiving feedback from fans.
Thirteen clubs will compete this season, including defending champions East Bengal FC, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters FC and newly featured Sporting Club Delhi.
The season will also introduce new fixtures and venues. Churchill Brothers and FC Goa will contest the first Goa Derby in ISL history on December 13. Manipur will host an ISL match for the first time when NorthEast United FC take on Sporting Club Delhi in Imphal on November 24.
East Bengal will begin their title defence against Churchill Brothers on October 18 after missing the opening weekend due to AFC commitments. The first Kolkata Derby is scheduled for November 29 between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
The league will pause from November 7 to 20 for the FIFA international window. Phase 1 runs until January 17, 2027, after which the top six teams will advance to the playoffs.
For fans, the message is clear: more weekend football, more big derbies and considerably fewer excuses for saying, “I missed the match because I forgot the date.”
