Five Mumbai City FC players to watch in ISL 2026-27 opener
Mumbai City FC will open their Indian Super League 2026-27 campaign against Churchill Brothers at Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Sunday, October 11, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM IST under head coach Manolo Márquez. The match is the Islanders’ first fixture of the new season.
Mumbai arrive with a substantially rebuilt squad following the departure of several established players and the arrival of new foreign recruits alongside retained personnel. Head coach Manolo Márquez has emphasised applying lessons from the pre-season camp to improve across the season, and the opening game offers a chance for the side to define its identity early.
Vikram Partap Singh’s contract extension highlights his growing role as Mumbai enter this transitional period. Lallianzuala Chhangte’s exit has left a notable attacking void that Vikram can help fill, and Márquez’s past use of him on the right wing with India could provide a familiar platform for making runs behind defenses. Known for his work rate, directness and commitment, Vikram previously showed his scoring ability two seasons ago and will have the opportunity to emerge as a leading attacking figure for the Islanders.
Leandro Otormín is the only foreign signing in the current group who has not played in the Indian Super League, presenting an adaptation challenge for the Uruguayan. Primarily an attacking midfielder or second striker who can also operate across the frontline, Otormín’s ability to play between the lines and create chances in tight spaces gives Mumbai an additional creative option. With changes to the club’s attacking personnel, his versatility could be important for unlocking organised defences.
Sergio Llamas arrives from Inter Kashi and fills a midfield profile that the squad otherwise lacks. The Spaniard is expected to link defence and attack through passing, positioning and ball retention, providing balance in the centre of the park. While Lazar Ćirković can operate in a holding role, he is primarily a centre-back, which increases the importance of Llamas’s natural midfield attributes against compact opponents.
Carlos Delgado joins Mumbai after five seasons with Odisha FC and brings experience as a 36-year-old Spanish centre-back. His familiarity with Indian football, positional awareness and organizational ability are seen as assets for stabilising Mumbai’s backline as new defensive partnerships are formed. Delgado’s leadership and composure could be useful in managing difficult situations during matches.
Akash Mishra is entering his first full season since returning from an ACL injury and arrives with recent encouraging performances on international duty. He rediscovered form under Márquez at Hyderabad FC, demonstrated his capability to contribute both defensively and offensively, and provided an assist for Ryan Williams’ goal against Panama during the international break. Comfortable making overlapping runs and supplying width, Mishra could help Mumbai stretch Churchill Brothers’ defence while maintaining balance at the back.
Mumbai City FC’s opening fixture against Churchill Brothers is confirmed for October 11 at Fatorda Stadium, with kick-off at 7:30 PM IST, and Manolo Márquez was appointed to the role after the departure of Petr Kratky.