ISL 2026-27 Preview: Teams, Favourites, Key Players To Watch, New Format - All You Need To Know

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season begins on October 10, promising a fresh chapter for Indian club football with 13 teams, a return to a longer league campaign and several intriguing additions to the competition.

East Bengal FC enter the new season as defending champions after winning the previous shortened edition. However, the Red and Gold Brigade will face stiff competition from traditional heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC, while FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC will look to make their presence felt.

The campaign also features Churchill Brothers FC Goa, who arrive following the transfer of Jamshedpur FC's sporting licence, creating a historic new chapter for Goan football.

ISL 2026-27 Teams

The 13 participating clubs are Bengaluru FC, Sporting Club Delhi, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC, Inter Kashi, Kerala Blasters FC, Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Punjab FC, Odisha FC and East Bengal FC.

The competition will feature familiar rivalries alongside new matchups, with Churchill Brothers' arrival adding another dimension to the league.

Who Are The Favourites?

East Bengal will carry the confidence of their title-winning campaign into the new season. Under head coach Antonio Lopez Habas, they will aim to maintain their competitive edge while integrating new signings, including Dani Ramírez, Chris Ikonomidis and Nsungusi Effiong.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant are another strong contender on paper. Their squad has been strengthened by the arrival of Lallianzuala Chhangte, Dejan Drazic, Samir Zeljkovic, Miguel Figueira and Rahul Bheke. Their combination of Indian international quality and overseas experience makes them a team to watch.

Mumbai City FC, with new additions including Carlos Delgado, Sergio Llamas, Leandro Otormín and Wilmar Jordán Gil, could also challenge for the top positions. Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, will depend on the experience of Sunil Chhetri and their ability to maintain consistency over a longer campaign.

These are early contenders based on squad strength and experience, rather than a definitive prediction of the final standings.

Key Players To Watch

Lallianzuala Chhangte: The India international's move to Mohun Bagan is one of the major transfers of the season. His pace, direct running and ability to create chances could prove valuable in tight matches.

Dani Ramírez: East Bengal's new recruit brings technical quality and attacking creativity. His adaptation to the side could influence the defending champions' ability to retain their title.

Jorge Ortiz: The Spanish attacker returns to FC Goa, giving the Gaurs a familiar creative presence and another potential source of goals and assists.

Leandro Otormín: Mumbai City's new attacking addition will be one to monitor as the Islanders reshape their forward line.

What's New in ISL 2026-27?

The most significant change is the return to a full home-and-away format after the previous season's shortened structure. The league has announced 78 matches for Phase 1, running from October 10, 2026, to January 17, 2027.

The fixture list places greater emphasis on weekend football, with 53 of the 78 Phase 1 matches scheduled from Friday to Sunday. The campaign will pause during the FIFA international window from November 7 to November 20.

Another major attraction is the first-ever ISL meeting between FC Goa and Churchill Brothers, scheduled for December 13. The addition of Churchill Brothers also means Goa will have two clubs competing in the league for the first time.