AIFF releases tentative calendar for 2026-27 season; ISL to kick off in September

Durand Cup set to kick off the 2026/27 footballing season from 11th July

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released the tentative calendar for the 2026-27 season, laying out the schedule for domestic leagues and national championships in both men’s and women’s football. According to the proposed plan, the Indian Super League (ISL) is expected to run from September 2026 to April 2027, making it a full seven-month season after a campaign that was affected by uncertainty off the pitch.

With the 2025-26 season now over, attention has already shifted to the next chapter of Indian football. The previous season brought several changes, including the rebranding of the I-League into the Indian Football League (IFL), while the Indian Women’s League (IWL) continued to grow and strengthen the women’s football structure in the country.

The 2026-27 calendar features a busy schedule across all levels of the game, with league competitions, national championships, and youth tournaments spread throughout the season. As clubs prepare for the new campaign, fans will be hoping for a smoother season and plenty of exciting football on the pitch.

ISL 2026/27 season will run from 1st September to 11th April

As per the tentative 2026-27 calendar released by the AIFF, the new season will begin with the Durand Cup, which is scheduled to run from July 11 to August 20, 2026. The tournament will once again serve as the curtain-raiser to the domestic campaign, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of competitive football.

The Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-flight competition, is expected to take place from September 1, 2026, to April 11, 2027. The proposed schedule brings back a full seven-month season after the shortened 2025-26 campaign, which was affected by administrative and commercial uncertainties. As a result, teams played a reduced schedule, with each side featuring in only 13 matches.

If the calendar goes ahead as planned, the ISL will return to its longer format, with 14 clubs competing over seven months for the league title. East Bengal FC enter the new season as defending champions after winning their first-ever ISL crown in 2025-26.

Meanwhile, the Indian Football League (IFL), formerly known as the I-League, is scheduled to run from October 9, 2026, to March 14, 2027. The AIFF has also proposed dates for the lower divisions, with I-League 3 set to be held from August 15 to November 7, while I-League 2 is scheduled between February 1 and April 11, 2027.

In women’s football, the Indian Women’s League (IWL) is expected to take place from September 3, 2026, to January 24, 2027. East Bengal FC will begin the season as defending champions after securing back-to-back league titles. The IWL 2 competition is tentatively scheduled from July 9 to August 22, 2026.

The calendar also includes the Santosh Trophy, one of India’s most prestigious domestic tournaments, which is set to be played from November 19, 2026, to January 17, 2027. Alongside it, several AIFF youth leagues and national championships have also been given a place in the proposed schedule.

The domestic season is expected to conclude with the Federation Cup, scheduled from April 20 to May 10, 2027. While the calendar provides a clear roadmap for the upcoming campaign, it remains tentative and is yet to receive final approval from the AIFF.

AIFF 2026/27 season tentative calendar

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.