ISL 2025-26 Season Kicks Off: Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC Begin Campaign

The Indian Super League 2025-26 season launches with a thrilling double-header as Jamshedpur FC host Mohammedan SC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, while former champions Bengaluru FC face newly rebranded Sporting Club Delhi at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on February 15, 2026.

Jamshedpur FC Vs Bengaluru FC: Sunday Double-Header Details

Jamshedpur FC: The Furnace Reignites

Jamshedpur FC enter the season under experienced manager Owen Coyle with a unique “leadership quartet” of captains designed to foster collective responsibility. The Red Miners aim to restore their home ground—known as “The Furnace”—to its status as the ISL’s most intimidating venue.

Coyle faces immediate pressure as he’s yet to beat Mohammedan SC in his managerial career. Their last two encounters ended winless for the Scotsman. With relegation now part of the ISL format, stakes have never been higher for opening-day performances.

The match features Jamshedpur’s experienced foreign core including Eze and Lazar Cirkovic against Mohammedan’s domestic talents like Pukhrambam Dinesh Meitei and creative midfielder Abhishek Halder.

Mohammedan SC: All-Indian Historic Challenge

Mohammedan Sporting Club bring over a century of footballing legacy and passionate Kolkata support to their ISL campaign. Operating under a transfer embargo, head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo has assembled an entirely domestic squad—the first all-Indian team in ISL history.

Captain Gaurav Bora expressed excitement: “The motivation to play in the ISL is huge. We are all pumped up. It’s the first game of the season after a long wait. Players are motivated and mentally ready for the challenge.”

Wadoo remains defiant about the unique situation: “This is the first time in ISL history that a team will play with an all-Indian squad. This is great motivation for the players. Usually when foreigners are there, Indians don’t get enough game time. We have to believe in these young Indian players.”

Bengaluru FC: New Era Under Renedy Singh

Former champions Bengaluru FC begin a new chapter under head coach Renedy Singh, whose appointment marks a significant milestone for domestic coaching in the league. The Blues finished runners-up last season after losing to defending champions Mohun Bagan in the final.

Singh emphasized team unity: “We are happy that after a long wait, it finally starts. We have been working hard and the players are prepared. This is a 13-match season now, so the first match is not going to be easy. I demand that the whole team defends and the whole team attacks.”

The match features Bengaluru stars Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Rahul Bheke against Sporting Club Delhi’s emerging talents including Mohammed Aimen and Ayush Adhikari in an intriguing tactical battle.

Sporting Club Delhi: Capital’s New Football Identity

Formerly Hyderabad FC, Sporting Club Delhi represent the league’s newest rebranding and relocation project. Under Polish head coach Tomasz Tchorz, they aim to establish professional football in Delhi with captain Alex Saji leading a mix of youth and experience.

Tchorz expressed confidence: “It is very important to create a strong first impression. Delhi has been waiting for professional football at this level, and we want to represent the city with discipline and energy. Facing a club like Bengaluru in their home is the perfect test for our first step in the ISL.”

The ambitious coach believes in top-six potential: “This game can set the benchmark for us because Bengaluru is very well organized. We are a new established club, but I personally believe we can achieve top six in this league.”

Season Format Changes

The ISL 2025-26 season features significant changes due to its delayed start. Instead of the traditional double round-robin format, all 14 teams will face each other once with the table-toppers crowned champions. The bottom-placed team will be relegated to the Indian Football League (rebranded I-League).

The winner qualifies for the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 preliminary stage, adding continental stakes to the domestic battle.

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