Super League Standings Explained
The 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season marks a watershed moment in the trajectory of professional association football within the Indian subcontinent. As the twelfth edition of the league and the thirtieth season of top-tier football in India, this campaign is characterized by a radical structural pivot necessitated by a combination of administrative friction, financial recalibration, and legal mandates. The season, which commenced on February 14, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on May 17, 2026, represents a departure from the established double round-robin format that has defined the competition since its inception in 2014. Instead, the league has adopted a truncated, single-leg round-robin format featuring fourteen clubs—the highest number in the history of the competition.
The Institutional Crisis and the Path to the Twelfth Edition
The lead-up to the 2025–26 season was arguably the most tumultuous period in the league’s history. The primary catalyst for the delay and eventual truncation of the season was the expiration of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). This agreement, originally signed in 2010, had provided the framework for the ISL’s operation and commercial management. In June 2025, FSDL formally notified the participating clubs and the AIFF that the upcoming season would be placed on hold due to unresolved contractual issues related to the MRA renewal.
The resulting impasse cast significant doubt over the survival of the league and the livelihoods of thousands of stakeholders, including players, referees, and support staff. The resolution of this crisis required the intervention of the Supreme Court of India, which directed both the AIFF and FSDL to settle their disputes and initiate the season as promptly as possible. Following months of intensive negotiations involving government representatives and legal advisors, a compromise was reached in early January 2026. Under the new arrangement, the AIFF assumed administrative control over the league’s operations, while the individual clubs were granted greater autonomy in managing their commercial interests.
Structural Metamorphosis: The Single-Leg Format and Relegation
To accommodate the significant delay in the season’s start, the governing bodies implemented a condensed format that prioritizes efficiency while maintaining competitive integrity. The traditional ninety-one matches are played in a single-leg round-robin structure, meaning each of the fourteen teams faces every other opponent exactly once. This system removes the “reverse fixture” dynamic, placing an unprecedented premium on consistency and immediate performance.
Perhaps the most significant regulatory change in the 2025–26 season is the introduction of relegation. For the first time since the ISL’s founding, the league is directly connected to the lower divisions of the Indian football pyramid. The club finishing at the bottom of the table (fourteenth position) will be relegated to the Indian Football League (IFL), formerly known as the I-League. While all fourteen clubs initially raised formal objections to this implementation—arguing that a thirteen-match season provides an insufficient sample size to determine relegation fairly—the AIFF proceeded with the decision to align with global sporting standards.
Analytical Assessment of the Current Standings
As of the conclusion of the matches on February 26, 2026, the league table reflects a distinct stratification between the traditional powerhouses and the newly integrated or rebranded entities. The performance of the Kolkata clubs, East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, has been particularly dominant in the opening rounds, while the mid-table remains congested due to the limited number of matches played.
2025–26 ISL League Table (as of February 26, 2026)
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Draw | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| 1 | East Bengal FC | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 6 |
| 2 | Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 6 |
| 3 | Jamshedpur FC | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 6 |
| 4 | Mumbai City FC | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 6 |
| 5 | FC Goa | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 4 |
| 6 | Bengaluru FC | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 4 |
| 7 | Inter Kashi FC | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 8 | Odisha FC | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 9 | NorthEast United FC | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
| 10 | Punjab FC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 11 | Chennaiyin FC | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
| 12 | Kerala Blasters FC | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
| 13 | Mohammedan SC | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
| 14 | Sporting Club Delhi | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 0 |
The Hegemony of the Kolkata Powerhouses
East Bengal FC has emerged as the early season pace-setter, characterized by an explosive offensive output that has seen them score seven goals in their first two outings. Their 4–1 victory over Sporting Club Delhi on February 21 showcased the clinical finishing of Youssef Ezzejjari, who currently leads the league’s scoring charts with four goals. This offensive surge represents a significant turnaround for a club that has struggled for consistency in recent years, suggesting that head coach Oscar Bruzon has successfully integrated his tactical philosophy during the shortened pre-season window.
Conversely, the defending ISL Shield winners, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have maintained their high standards through defensive organization and star power. Under the management of Sergio Lobera, the Mariners have recorded back-to-back 2–0 victories against Kerala Blasters FC and Chennaiyin FC. The addition of Jamie Maclaren and the continued excellence of Dimitri Petratos have provided the club with a formidable attacking edge that complements their robust defensive line.
Defensive Resilience in the Steel City and Mumbai
Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC have adopted more pragmatic but equally effective approaches to the opening rounds. Both clubs have secured maximum points through 1–0 victories, emphasizing defensive solidity over expansive play. Jamshedpur FC, under the returning Owen Coyle, has demonstrated the “hard-to-beat” mentality that defined their Shield-winning campaign in previous years, securing wins against Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters. Mumbai City FC, led by Petr Kratky, continues to exhibit the tactical discipline of the City Football Group model, evidenced by their 1–0 away victory at the Kaloor Stadium against Kerala Blasters.
Financial Devaluation and the Evolving Commercial Landscape
The administrative turmoil that preceded the 2025–26 season has left deep scars on the league’s commercial health. The most stark indicator of this decline is the collapse in media rights valuation. FanCode, a digital streaming platform owned by Dream Sports, acquired the primary media rights for the season for approximately INR 8.62 crore. When compared to previous valuation cycles, this represents a staggering 94.4 percent decrease in revenue per match, falling from nearly INR 1.69 crore per game to approximately INR 9.5 lakh.
This contraction in revenue has necessitated a corresponding reduction in the league’s prize money pool. The truncated nature of the season and the elimination of the playoff stage—which traditionally generated significant advertising and gate revenue—have forced the AIFF to slash the financial rewards for top-performing clubs.
Prize Money Structure for the 2025–26 Season
| Category | Award (2025–26) | Historical Award (Average) |
| ISL Champions (Table Toppers) | ₹2.5 Crore | ₹3.5 Crore (Shield) |
| League Runners-up | ₹1.5 Crore | – |
| Cup Winners (Playoffs) | N/A (No Playoffs) | ₹6 Crore |
| Cup Runners-up | N/A (No Playoffs) | ₹3 Crore |
| Playoff Semi-finalists | N/A (No Playoffs) | ₹1.5 Crore each |
This financial reality has placed immense strain on club budgets, many of which were already reeling from the uncertainty of the summer months. The reduction in match revenue and sponsorship visibility has led to a more conservative approach to squad planning and transfer market activity across the league.
Club-Specific Performance and Personnel Profiles
The 2025–26 season features a diverse array of managerial philosophies and squad compositions. The expansion to fourteen teams has been facilitated by the promotion of Inter Kashi and the rebranding/relocation of Hyderabad FC to Sporting Club Delhi.
Participating Clubs and Stadium Infrastructure
| Club | Home City | Stadium | Capacity |
| Bengaluru FC | Bengaluru | Sree Kanteerava Stadium | 25,810 |
| Chennaiyin FC | Chennai | Marina Arena (JLN) | 40,000 |
| Sporting Club Delhi | New Delhi | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium | 60,254 |
| East Bengal FC | Kolkata | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan | 68,000 |
| FC Goa | Margao | Fatorda Stadium (PJN) | 19,000 |
| Inter Kashi FC | Varanasi | Kalinga Stadium (Temporary) | 15,000 |
| Jamshedpur FC | Jamshedpur | JRD Tata Sports Complex | 24,424 |
| Kerala Blasters FC | Kochi | JLN Kaloor Intl. Stadium | 40,000 |
| Mohammedan SC | Kolkata | Kishore Bharati Krirangan | 24,424 |
| Mohun Bagan SG | Kolkata | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan | 68,000 |
| Mumbai City FC | Mumbai | Mumbai Football Arena | 7,000 |
| NorthEast United FC | Guwahati | IG Athletic Stadium | 21,600 |
| Odisha FC | Bhubaneswar | Kalinga Stadium | 15,000 |
| Punjab FC | Mohali | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi) | 60,254 |
The relocation of Hyderabad FC to New Delhi as Sporting Club Delhi represents a strategic attempt to tap into the northern Indian market and leverage the infrastructure of the capital city. Similarly, the promotion of Inter Kashi, while currently playing home matches in Bhubaneswar due to stadium construction in Uttar Pradesh, marks the first time Varanasi has been represented in top-tier football.
Managerial and Leadership Structures
The 2025–26 season has seen a significant influx of new coaching talent and the return of several familiar faces to the dugout.
| Team | Head Coach | Captain(s) | Kit Manufacturer |
| Bengaluru FC | Renedy Singh | Sunil Chhetri | Puma |
| Chennaiyin FC | Clifford Miranda | Alberto Noguera | Six5Six |
| Sporting Club Delhi | Tomasz Tchórz | Lamgoulen Hangshing | Six5Six |
| East Bengal FC | Oscar Bruzon | Saúl Crespo | Trak Only |
| FC Goa | Manolo Márquez | Sandesh Jhingan | Six5Six |
| Inter Kashi FC | Antonio López Habas | Sergio Llamas | Hummel |
| Jamshedpur FC | Owen Coyle | Stephen Eze | Nivia |
| Kerala Blasters FC | David Català | Bikash Yumnam / Danish Farooq | Six5Six |
| Mohammedan SC | Mehrajuddin Wadoo | Gaurav Bora | Rocky Sports |
| Mohun Bagan SG | Sergio Lobera | Subhasish Bose | Skechers |
| Mumbai City FC | Petr Kratky | Lallianzuala Chhangte | Puma |
| NorthEast United FC | Juan Pedro Benali | Michel Zabaco | Reebok |
| Odisha FC | TG Purushothaman | Carlos Delgado | Trak Only |
| Punjab FC | Panagiotis Dilberis | Nikhil Prabhu | Shiv Naresh |
Technical and Tactical Analysis of the Opening Rounds
The early data from the 2025–26 season suggests a league characterized by a high degree of tactical caution, punctuated by individual brilliance. As of February 24, the league has recorded twenty-four goals across thirteen matches, resulting in a scoring average of 1.85 goals per match. This relatively low scoring rate can be attributed to several factors, including the shortened pre-season preparation time and the high stakes of the single-leg format where every goal conceded is harder to overcome than in a traditional season.
Scoring Trends and Clean Sheet Efficiency
| Statistical Metric | Leading Club/Player | Value |
| Top Scorer | Youssef Ezzejjari (East Bengal) | 4 Goals |
| Highest Team Scoring | East Bengal FC | 7 Goals |
| Most Clean Sheets (Team) | Mohun Bagan / Mumbai City / Jamshedpur | 2 |
| Highest Attendance | Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters | 29,110 |
| Biggest Home Win | East Bengal 4–1 SC Delhi | +3 GD |
| Biggest Away Win | Mohammedan 0–2 FC Goa | +2 GD |
The technical performance of Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their 2–0 victory over Chennaiyin FC on February 23 serves as a microcosm of the league’s current tactical landscape. The Mariners exhibited a disciplined defensive structure that limited Chennaiyin to long-range efforts, while effectively utilizing quick transitions to score through Jamie Maclaren and Dimi Petratos. Chennaiyin, despite maintaining a compact block under head coach Clifford Miranda, struggled with offensive penetration following an early injury to goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz, which disrupted their buildup play from the back.
Foreign Player Integration and Strategic Recruitment
The foreign player quota remains a vital component of the ISL’s technical framework. For the 2025–26 season, clubs have focused on acquiring players with proven records in Asian conditions or from high-intensity European lower leagues.
Foreign Player Contingents (Sample)
| Club | Key Foreign Assets |
| Mohun Bagan SG | Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren, Jason Cummings, Robinho |
| East Bengal FC | Kevin Sibille, Miguel Figueira, Anton Søjberg, Youssef Ezzejjari |
| Mumbai City FC | Jorge Pereyra Díaz, Joni Kauko, Nuno Reis, Jorge Ortiz |
| Jamshedpur FC | Raphaël Messi Bouli, Madih Talal, Stephen Eze, Lazar Ćirković |
| FC Goa | Dejan Dražić, Pol Moreno |
| Inter Kashi | Nauris Petkevičius, Alfred Planas, Mario Barco, Sergio Llamas |
The arrival of Jamie Maclaren, the A-League’s all-time record goalscorer, is widely considered the most significant transfer of the season. His partnership with Dimitri Petratos—a duo that has previously found success in Australia—provides Mohun Bagan with a tactical advantage that most defensive lines in the ISL have found difficult to neutralize in the early rounds.
Continental Implications and AFC Compliance
The truncated nature of the 2025–26 season presented a significant challenge regarding the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) competition eligibility rules. Typically, the AFC requires top-flight leagues to consist of at least twenty-four matches for their winners to qualify for continental tournaments. However, following representations from the AIFF, the AFC granted a one-year exemption for the Indian league.
As a result, India retains two slots for the 2026–27 AFC Champions League Two qualifying stage. The first slot was secured by FC Goa after their victory in the 2025–26 Super Cup in December 2025. The second slot will be awarded to the champions of the 2025–26 ISL.
The Mohun Bagan Ban and its Ripple Effects
A complicating factor in the race for continental football is the current status of Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The club is serving a ban from AFC competitions until the 2028–29 season. Consequently, if Mohun Bagan finishes as the top-placed team in the ISL table, they will be ineligible to take up the qualifying spot for the AFC Champions League Two. In such an event, the continental berth will be reassigned to the league runners-up. This regulatory caveat has fundamentally altered the competitive stakes for the top four teams, as finishing second could potentially carry the same continental reward as winning the title.
Analyzing the Relegation Battle: The Struggle for Survival
The introduction of relegation has introduced a psychological burden that previously did not exist in the ISL ecosystem. Sporting Club Delhi, despite their historic relocation to the capital, finds themselves at the bottom of the table after two matches with the worst goal difference in the league. Head coach Tomasz Tchórz has emphasized the “newness” of the squad and the time required to build chemistry, but in a thirteen-game season, the window for such adaptation is perilously small.
Mohammedan SC, making their return to the top tier, has also faced a difficult initiation, losing both opening fixtures without scoring a goal. For a club of such historical significance, the prospect of an immediate return to the lower division is a daunting one, necessitating immediate tactical adjustments to secure their defensive flanks against the league’s high-pressing offensive systems.
Operational and Logistical Dynamics
Hosting ninety-one matches in a three-month window across various climatic zones in India has necessitated rigorous logistical planning. The decision to reject a centralized venue model—similar to the bio-bubble used during the pandemic—was made on the grounds of economic sustainability. The operational costs of travel and venue hosting were deemed preferable to the high costs of long-term accommodation and the total loss of ticket revenue associated with a centralized model.
Match Day Attendance Trends
Public engagement remains a critical metric for the league’s longevity. The opening match at the Salt Lake Stadium (VYBK) saw an attendance of 29,110 for the clash between Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters. However, attendance figures have varied significantly across venues.
| Venue | Match Example | Attendance |
| Salt Lake Stadium (VYBK) | MBSG vs KBFC | 29,110 |
| Sree Kanteerava Stadium | BFC vs NEUFC | 15,400 (Avg) |
| Fatorda Stadium (PJN) | FC Goa vs Inter Kashi | 1,577 (Lowest Recorded)* |
| Kalinga Stadium | Odisha FC vs Inter Kashi | 6,200 (Avg) |
*Note: The low attendance for FC Goa’s home match has been attributed to the unusual timing and the ongoing fan boycotts in some regions due to the administrative crisis.
Infrastructural Adaptations: Stadium Sharing and Relocation
The 2025–26 season highlights the ongoing challenges regarding stadium infrastructure in India. Multiple clubs are sharing venues, which places immense pressure on pitch quality during a condensed season.
- Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK): Shared by Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, and Mohammedan SC.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi): Shared by Sporting Club Delhi and Punjab FC.
- Kalinga Stadium (Bhubaneswar): Temporarily hosting Inter Kashi in addition to Odisha FC.
The sharing of the VYBK in Kolkata by three major clubs is particularly taxing, as the venue frequently hosts matches on consecutive days, leaving little time for turf recovery. This has led to concerns regarding player safety and the quality of ground play as the season progresses into the warmer months of April and May.
The Road Ahead: Long-term Institutional Implications
The 2025–26 ISL season, while truncated and financially diminished, serves as a necessary stabilizing phase for Indian football. The intervention of the Supreme Court and the resulting shift in governance from the FSDL-centric model to an AIFF-led administrative framework suggests a move toward a more traditional league structure. However, the 94 percent drop in media rights revenue remains a critical warning sign for the league’s commercial future.
To regain its stature, the ISL must focus on three primary areas in the coming cycles:
- Revenue Diversification: Reducing the reliance on broadcast rights by increasing matchday revenue and regional sponsorship deals.
- Infrastructural Investment: Ensuring each club has a dedicated home ground to avoid the logistical and technical drawbacks of stadium sharing.
- Governance Stability: Finalizing a long-term Master Rights Agreement that provides certainty to investors, players, and broadcasters well in advance of the season’s start.
The introduction of relegation in 2025–26 has fundamentally changed the sporting culture of the league, removing the “franchise safety net” and introducing a level of accountability that is essential for the maturation of the sport in India. As the season moves toward its conclusion on May 17, the battle for the championship—and the equally intense struggle to avoid the bottom spot—will provide a clear indication of which clubs have the institutional resilience to survive and thrive in this new era of Indian football.
The current dominance of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan suggests that the Kolkata-centric power base remains the heart of the Indian game, but the emergence of well-run units in Mumbai and Jamshedpur ensures that the path to the 2025–26 title remains highly competitive. With the elimination of the playoffs, every point in the remaining rounds is a step toward history or a slide toward the uncertainties of the IFL.