ISL 2026-27 Phase 1 fixtures released; 68 percent of matches set for weekends
On September 26, 2026 the Indian Super League published the Phase 1 fixtures for the 2026-27 season, with Bengaluru FC scheduled to open the campaign at home against Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on October 10 and FC Goa hosting Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium later the same day.
The organisers said the new schedule places greater emphasis on weekend fixtures, with 53 of the 78 games in Phase 1 — 68 percent — slated for Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays following feedback from fans. Thirteen clubs will compete in the upcoming 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.
Phase 1 will introduce new match-ups and venues to the league, including the first-ever ISL meeting between Churchill Brothers and FC Goa when they meet in the Goa Derby at the Fatorda Stadium on December 13.
Manipur will host an ISL fixture for the first time when NorthEast United FC welcome Sporting Club Delhi to the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on November 24.
Reigning champions East Bengal FC will begin their title defence on October 18 against Churchill Brothers in Goa and will not take part in the opening gameweek because of their AFC commitments. The first Kolkata Derby of the season is scheduled for November 29, with East Bengal FC hosting Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
The league will pause for the November FIFA international window, with no ISL matches scheduled between November 7 and 20 to allow players selected for national duty to join their international teams. Phase 1 runs from October 10, 2026 to January 17, 2027 and comprises 78 matches.
At the end of Phase 1 the top six teams will advance to the playoffs, with the schedule for Phase 2 and the playoff stage to be released later; Inter Kashi's home venue has not yet been finalised, with confirmation expected once the club finalises its home ground.
