ISL 2026 is finally set to begin on February 14, 2026, ending months of uncertainty regarding the future of India’s top-tier football league. While the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had announced the dates earlier, the participation of several clubs was in doubt due to administrative shifts. However, in a major relief for fans, all 14 clubs, including the massive fan-favorite Kerala Blasters, have officially confirmed their participation.
For the vast Indian football fan base in the UAE, this news comes as a heartening update. Many UAE residents closely follow their home teams, and the confirmation of ISL 2026 start date ensures that football fever will return to television screens across the Middle East this February.
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A New Format: Single-Leg Competition
Due to the delayed start of the season, ISL 2026 will feature a revised “Single-Leg” format. Unlike previous seasons where teams played each other twice (Home and Away), this time:
- Each team will play every other team only once.
- Every club will play a total of 13 matches in the league stage.
- Teams will be allocated roughly 5 or 6 home matches each.
The Foreign Player Crisis
One of the biggest talking points regarding ISL 2026 is the departure of high-profile foreign stars. Following the initial uncertainty of the league, many key players left their clubs:
- Kerala Blasters news: The club faced a huge blow as stars like Noah Sadaoui and Thiago Alves departed. The iconic Adrian Luna has also moved away on a loan basis.
- Full Indian Squads: Chennaiyin FC and Mohammedan SC have announced they will field entirely Indian squads this season.
- Limited Foreigners: Most other clubs will either play with no foreigners or a significantly reduced number.
- The Exception: Only Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are expected to field a full quota of 6 foreign players.
Because of this, many fans are wondering if ISL 2026 will retain the same level of excitement as previous years, or if the focus will shift entirely to developing local talent.
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ISL 2026 Teams and Stadiums List
Below is the list of participating teams and the home stadiums where they are expected to play during the ISL 2026 season:
Kerala Blasters FC (Kochi)
The “Manjappada” fans will return to the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi to support their team. With a capacity of 41,000, this stadium remains one of the loudest and most iconic venues in Indian football history.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Kolkata)
The defending powerhouses will play their home matches at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium). As the largest stadium in the league, it can host 68,000 fans, creating a massive atmosphere for the Kolkata giants.
East Bengal FC (Kolkata)
Sharing the legendary Salt Lake Stadium, East Bengal FC will also call the 68,000-capacity Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan their home. The rivalry between the two Kolkata clubs makes this venue the heart of Indian football.
Bengaluru FC (Bengaluru)
Bengaluru FC will host their matches at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Known for its passionate “West Block Blues” supporters, the stadium has a capacity of 25,810 and is famous for its high-energy matchdays.
Chennaiyin FC (Chennai)
Chennaiyin FC, the two-time champions, will play at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, affectionately known as the ‘Marina Arena.’ The stadium can accommodate 40,000 spectators and is ready for the new season.
Sporting Club Delhi (Delhi)
Representing the capital city, Delhi FC will use the massive Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as their home ground. With a capacity of 60,254, it is one of the most prestigious multi-purpose venues in the country.
FC Goa (Margao)
FC Goa will return to their fortress, the Fatorda Stadium in Margao. Though it has a smaller capacity of 19,000, it is widely regarded as one of the best football-specific atmospheres in the league.
Inter Kashi (Varanasi)
New entrants Inter Kashi have designated the IG Athletic Stadium as their primary venue. The stadium holds 21,600 people and will be the center of new footballing dreams for the club from Uttar Pradesh.
Jamshedpur FC (Jamshedpur)
Known as the ‘Red Miners,’ Jamshedpur FC will play at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. This stadium, which seats 24,424 fans, is famous for its dedicated local support and excellent facilities.
Mohammedan SC (Kolkata)
Mohammedan SC, the historic Kolkata club, will play at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. It is a more compact venue with a capacity of 12,000, providing an intimate and intense experience for the fans.
Mumbai City FC (Mumbai)
The ‘Islanders’ will host their opponents at the Mumbai Football Arena. While it is the smallest stadium in the league with a capacity of 7,000, the close proximity of the fans makes it a difficult place for visiting teams.
NorthEast United FC (Guwahati)
The ‘Highlanders’ will play their home games at the Indira Gandhi (IG) Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The venue has a capacity of 21,600 and serves as the football hub for the entire North Eastern region of India.
Odisha FC (Bhubaneswar)
Odisha FC will call the Kalinga Stadium their home for the 2026 season. With a 15,000-seat capacity, this stadium has become a world-class sports destination in recent years.
Punjab FC (Mohali)
Punjab FC is expected to use the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi) for their home fixtures this season. The large venue offers professional-grade facilities as the club looks to make its mark in the top flight.
Key Highlights of the Season
- Official Kick-off: The ISL 2026 start date is confirmed for February 14.
- Total Teams: 14 clubs will battle for the trophy, including newcomers and legacy teams.
- Administrative Shift: This is the first season being managed directly after the long-term FSDL contract ended.
- Indian Talent Focus: With fewer foreign stars, this season will be a massive platform for young Indian players to prove their worth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When does ISL 2026 start? The league begins on February 14, 2026.
- Will Adrian Luna play for Kerala Blasters? According to current Kerala Blasters news, Adrian Luna has left the club on a loan basis and is unlikely to feature this season.
- How many matches will each team play? Each team will play 13 matches in the league stage due to the single-leg format.
- Which teams are using only Indian players? Chennaiyin FC and Mohammedan SC have opted for an all-Indian squad for this season.
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