When will IFL 2026-27 start?
Indian Football League (IFL) was supposed to start on October 16.
The 2026-27 season of the Indian Football League (IFL) is set to begin on October 30, 2026, with the competition entering its second season under the IFL name.
The date was confirmed during a meeting of the IFL Governing Council at the Football House in New Delhi on Tuesday, September 8. Representatives from all 11 participating clubs attended the meeting alongside officials from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Unlike the truncated campaign last season, the upcoming edition will feature a full-fledged home-and-away format. The league will also expand its footprint, with Nagaland and Odisha set to host IFL matches during the 2026-27 season.
The governing body also approved a new regulation for the upcoming campaign. Teams will be allowed to have a maximum of three foreign players on the pitch at any given time during IFL matches.
The IFL Governing Council also discussed the league charter, proposed budget and sponsorship packages ahead of the new season.
Which teams will play in IFL 2026-27?
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A total of 11 teams are expected to compete in the 2026-27 IFL season.
Delhi Football Club and Bengaluru United have joined the league after earning promotion from IFL 2, while Mohammedan SC have dropped into the competition following their relegation from the Indian Super League (ISL).
The previous season was won by Diamond Harbour FC. However, the club failed to complete its outstanding participation-fee payment within the deadline set by the AIFF.
Diamond Harbour FC, who earned promotion to the ISL via their 2025-26 Indian Football League title, failed to fulfil the administrative fee requirement for the 2026-27 season and have not taken up their promoted slot.
“In keeping with the league’s promotion-and-relegation principle, Diamond Harbour will not be eligible to earn any points this season and will by default, be placed at the bottom of the table. They will not retain ISL status for 2027-28 and will compete in the IFL that season, ” AIFF statement read.
With the new season now scheduled to begin on October 30, clubs will have their sights set on the IFL title and the potential opportunity to earn promotion to the ISL.
Also Read: Indian Football League 2026-27: List of all IFL transfers so far
IFL 2026-27 to feature new venues
The upcoming season will also see the IFL reach new parts of the country.
Nagaland and Odisha have been approved as new venues for the 2026-27 campaign. The addition of the two states is expected to further broaden the league’s reach as it prepares for its first full home-and-away season.
The IFL also recorded a significant rise in viewership during the 2025-26 campaign. According to the governing council, the league’s viewership was four times higher than the previous season.
The AIFF and IFL representatives have also held discussions with Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi regarding the broadcast partnership for the upcoming campaign.
With October 30 now confirmed as the start date, the countdown to the 2026-27 IFL season has officially begun.
When will the IFL 2026-27 season begin?
The IFL 2026-27 season will begin on October 30, 2026.
How many teams will play in IFL 2026-27?
A total of 11 teams will compete.
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