Indian football is set for a structured and busy 2026-27 season after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed key dates for its flagship competitions.
AIFF Acting Secretary General M. Satyanarayan confirmed that the ISL 2026-27 season will kick off on September 4, marking the league’s return to a full seven-month campaign after the previous season was curtailed due to administrative and commercial uncertainties.
The Durand Cup, which traditionally serves as the curtain-raiser to the domestic season, is scheduled to run from June 25 to July 25. The prestigious tournament, widely regarded as the oldest football competition in Asia, is expected to feature clubs from the ISL, Indian Football League, and Services teams.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presided over discussions in New Delhi and gave the green signal to a club-led model for the next two seasons, though AIFF clarified it will continue to own and operate the ISL.
The 2026-27 domestic season is expected to conclude with the Federation Cup, scheduled from April 20 to May 10, 2027.
The previous ISL season lasted just over three months, with East Bengal FC clinching their maiden ISL title in the curtailed campaign. With stability restored and a full season ahead, Indian football fans now have a clear calendar to look forward to.
