The Indian Super League, ISL 2025–26 returns on Saturday, February 14, with two marquee fixtures that underline the competition’s growing stature.
Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant host Kerala Blasters FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, while AIFF Super Cup winners FC Goa take on debutants Inter Kashi at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda. The 2025–26 campaign will see 14 clubs compete in a single-leg round-robin format across 91 matches, with the team finishing on top crowned champions. All matches will be streamed live on FanCode and broadcast on Sony Sports Ten 2.
Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters: A Clash of Fan Bases and Ambition
The season begins with arguably the biggest fixture possible two clubs boasting the largest fan bases in Indian football locking horns under the lights at the VYBK.
Mohun Bagan enter as favourites. The Mariners have retained the core of last season’s title-winning squad and will enjoy home advantage in front of what is expected to be a packed stadium. Head coach Sergio Lobera acknowledged the occasion but emphasised focus.
“We are excited to start the season because we have been waiting for this moment for a long time. It will be a difficult season for everyone, but this is the moment to find solutions and not excuses,” Lobera said.
Forward Dimitri Petratos echoed that sentiment. “We have to move on from the past results and focus on what we have now. We have trained well and come here to win.”
The defending champions appear settled across departments. Their foreign defensive pairing of Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodríguez provides continuity at the back, while Petratos and Jason Cummings lead a proven attack. Vishal Kaith remains a reliable presence in goal, and domestic stars such as Liston Colaco and Anirudh Thapa add depth and creativity. Kerala Blasters, however, arrive with renewed intent. While retaining key Indian players, they have strengthened with foreign reinforcements in defence and midfield. Head coach David Català is under no illusions about the challenge.
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“We are going to face the best team in the league. But in football everything is possible. We are focused on getting three points,” Català said.
The Blasters’ new additions including defender Oumar Bah and midfielder Marlon Roos-Trujillo will be making their competitive debuts in Indian football. The cohesion of these signings could determine how quickly Kerala adapt to the demands of the campaign. Midfielder Danish Farooq framed the opener as an opportunity. “It’s a very good chance to prove ourselves and start on a positive note. We want to make our fans proud.”
The fixture also places emerging Indian talents under the spotlight, with Mohun Bagan’s Suhail Ahmad Bhat and Dippendu Biswas set to feature alongside Kerala’s Nihal Sudeesh. The narrative is clear: established champions versus challengers seeking momentum.
FC Goa vs Inter Kashi: Experience Meets Ambition
Later in the evening, attention shifts to Fatorda, where FC Goa begin their campaign against ISL debutants Inter Kashi. Goa enter the season with competitive minutes already in their legs, having featured in the AFC Champions League Two. Under Manolo Márquez, the Gaurs combine a disciplined structure with an attacking identity. Márquez expects a demanding contest.
“The preparations have been going well. Inter Kashi are a very good team with an experienced coach. If we want to win, we need focus from the entire squad,” he said.
Inter Kashi, promoted as I-League champions, step into the ISL with ambition and experienced leadership under Antonio Habas, a two-time ISL winner. Habas understands the importance of first impressions. “It’s very important to create your first impression. We have to give full energy, work hard and remain disciplined,” he said.
Captain Sumeet Passi highlighted the value of pre-season preparation and squad unity as the newcomers prepare for their top-flight test. The setting adds narrative weight. The PJN Stadium was the site of FC Goa’s Super Cup triumph in December, and they will look to extend that momentum into the league season.
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From Kolkata’s iconic VYBK to Goa’s Fatorda, the ISL returns with fixtures that combine history, rivalry, ambition and expectation. The league’s structure promises consistency and intensity across 91 matches, but opening weekend carries its own significance a chance to establish early momentum.
For Mohun Bagan, it is about defending their crown. For Kerala Blasters, it is about signalling resurgence. For FC Goa, it is continuity after silverware. For Inter Kashi, it is about announcing themselves on the biggest domestic stage.
The wait is over. The ISL is back and it begins with statement games.
