The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially released the fixtures for the Indian Super League, ISL 2026 season, setting the stage for another high-intensity campaign that promises drama, rivalries, and packed stadiums across the country.
With a marquee opening day on February 14 and the iconic Kolkata Derby scheduled for May 3, the calendar offers plenty for Indian football fans to look forward to as the ISL once again takes centre stage in the domestic football landscape.
The new season will begin in style on Valentine’s Day, February 14, with two heavyweight clashes. Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will open their campaign at 5:00 PM against Kerala Blasters FC, one of the league’s most passionate and widely supported clubs. That fixture alone guarantees a raucous atmosphere, given the size of both fan bases and the history of tight, emotional contests between the two sides.
Later in the evening, at 7:30 PM, FC Goa will host Inter Kashi at the Fatorda Stadium, marking the competitive debut of Inter Kashi in the ISL ecosystem and giving Goan fans an early opportunity to see how their side shapes up this season.
The fixture list also confirms that East Bengal FC will begin their season on February 16, when they take on NorthEast United. For the Red and Gold Brigade, who are once again under pressure to deliver after inconsistent recent seasons, this opening fixture will be an early test of their ambitions and squad balance.
Perhaps the most eagerly awaited date in the calendar, however, is May 3, when Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will clash in the Kolkata Derby at 7:30 PM. Few fixtures in Indian sport generate the kind of passion, emotion, and noise that the Kolkata Derby does, and its late-season scheduling could give it even more significance, particularly if both clubs are battling for playoff positions or silverware.
From a scheduling perspective, AIFF has opted for a consistent matchday structure, with games slotted at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. This format not only allows broadcasters to maximise prime-time viewership but also gives fans across time zones a predictable rhythm to follow the league. Over just three months, 91 matches will be played, making it a compact yet intense season where momentum and squad depth will be critical.
One of the key developments alongside the release of fixtures is AIFF’s decision to invite bids for the production and broadcast of all 91 games. With Indian football’s television and digital footprint growing steadily, this process is crucial. A high-quality broadcast package, with strong storytelling, graphics, and consistent coverage, will play a major role in shaping how the league is consumed by fans both in India and abroad. The ISL has already made significant strides in presentation over the past decade, and this tender process offers an opportunity to push standards even higher.
Looking at the opening weekend itself, the fixture grid gives a clear idea of how evenly the league has been spread across days and time slots. After the double-header on February 14, fans will be treated to more action over the weekend. Jamshedpur FC face Mumbai City FC on Sunday, February 15 at 5:00 PM, followed by Bengaluru FC hosting Sporting Club Delhi at 7:30 PM. On Monday, February 16, Odisha FC take on Punjab FC in the early slot, while East Bengal meet NorthEast United in the late game. Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC then round off the opening round on Thursday, February 19 at 7:30 PM.
This staggered rollout ensures that every club gets a moment in the spotlight during the first week, allowing fans to gauge how their teams have shaped up during the off-season. For new signings, tactical tweaks, and young prospects, these early fixtures will offer the first real test under competitive pressure.
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From a sporting perspective, the opening clash between Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters is particularly intriguing. Mohun Bagan enter the season as the benchmark, having built a squad packed with Indian internationals and experienced foreign recruits. Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, remain one of the most unpredictable teams in the league capable of breathtaking attacking football on their day, but often inconsistent over long stretches. Starting the season against the champions gives them a chance to set an early tone.
FC Goa versus Inter Kashi is another fascinating contest. While Goa are a familiar force in Indian football, Inter Kashi’s presence brings a fresh narrative. How quickly they adapt to the ISL’s pace and physicality will be one of the season’s subplots.
As the league prepares to kick off, the confirmed fixture list does more than just provide dates and times it maps out the storylines that will unfold over the next three months. With traditional rivalries, ambitious newcomers, and the promise of packed stadiums and prime-time broadcasts, ISL 2026 is shaping up to be another defining chapter in Indian football’s ongoing evolution.
