With the 2025–26 Indian Super League season underway, Sunday brings a compelling double-header as Jamshedpur FC host Mohammedan Sporting Club at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, while Bengaluru FC welcome Sporting Club Delhi to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
Both fixtures will be streamed live on FanCode and televised on Sony Sports 2, setting the stage for two intriguing early-season contests.
Jamshedpur FC vs Mohammedan Sporting Club
At the Furnace in Jamshedpur, Owen Coyle’s side begin their campaign determined to reassert themselves as contenders. After a transitional period, the Men of Steel have opted for a “leadership quartet” model, signalling collective responsibility within the squad. Coyle, experienced in promotion-relegation environments, has welcomed the structural changes in the league.
“The inclusion of relegation is something we’ve been used to all our career,” Coyle said ahead of the opener. “For us, the focus is on pushing at the top end of the table. Pre-season was compressed, but the players have worked extremely hard and want to give their best for the club.”
Coyle has repeatedly stressed the importance of turning the JRD Tata Sports Complex into a fortress again. “Football is nothing without supporters. We want to be positive, aggressive and play to win. We never go defensive — we play to win games,” he added.
Jamshedpur’s squad retains a strong foreign spine, with defenders Stephen Eze and Lazar Cirkovic expected to anchor the backline. Their physical presence and experience will be critical against a Mohammedan side built primarily around domestic talent.
Mohammedan Sporting Club return to the top flight under challenging circumstances, operating under a transfer embargo that has resulted in an all-Indian squad — a first in ISL history. Yet head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo sees opportunity rather than limitation.
“This is the first time a team will play the ISL with an all-Indian squad,” Wadoo said. “It’s a huge motivation. Often Indian players don’t get enough game time when foreigners are around. Now we believe in these young players. They will rise to the occasion.”
Captain Gaurav Bora echoed that sentiment, emphasising the emotional significance of the club’s return. “The motivation to play in the ISL is massive. We are mentally ready and eager to prove ourselves.” While Jamshedpur may enter as favourites on paper, Mohammedan’s unity and hunger could make them difficult opponents. The contest promises a stylistic contrast: structured experience against youthful resilience.
Bengaluru FC vs Sporting Club Delhi
Later in the evening, Bengaluru FC begin their season at the Kanteerava under new head coach Renedy Singh. The former India international’s appointment marks a renewed focus on domestic leadership within the club’s hierarchy.
“We’re happy that after a long wait, the season finally starts,” Singh said. “The players have prepared well. In a 13-match season, every game matters. I demand collective effort the whole team must defend and the whole team must attack.”
Bengaluru face a fresh challenge in Sporting Club Delhi, formerly Hyderabad FC, who enter the season rebranded and relocated to the national capital. Under Polish coach Tomasz Tchórz, the club aims to establish a new football identity in Delhi.
“It’s important to create a strong first impression,” Tchórz said. “Delhi has waited for top-level football. Facing Bengaluru away is a serious test, but also an opportunity. We want to set a benchmark from the first match.”
He further underlined his ambition: “We are a new club in this form, but I believe we can aim for a top-six finish. That belief must begin with performances like this.” Bengaluru will rely on established leaders such as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Rahul Bheke to provide stability, while Delhi look to emerging talents including Mohammed Aimen and Ayush Adhikari to inject pace and unpredictability.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
With relegation now part of the league structure and a condensed calendar raising the stakes of every fixture, early momentum carries added importance. For Jamshedpur and Bengaluru, home advantage presents a chance to lay down a marker. For Mohammedan Sporting and Sporting Club Delhi, the objective is clear prove that belief and organisation can offset structural challenges.
Sunday’s double-header may not decide the season, but it will offer the first real indicators of direction. In a campaign where margins are likely to be tight, a strong opening statement could prove invaluable.
