Real Kashmir FC vs Nagaland United SC: Preview, Predicted Lineups, Team News | IFL 2026-27
The Nagaland based club are set for their IFL debut.
Another season to be unleashed at the height of football in India, the Indian Football League (IFL), which is the second-tier of football after the Indian Super League (ISL), arrives with new hope & promise. The IFL 2026-27 season is all set to raise the curtains on Friday, 30th October, 2026.
Real Kashmir endured a challenging start to the 2025–26 season, finishing the initial league phase in the lower half of the standings and being drawn into the relegation phase. However, the Snow Leopards responded impressively at the right time, securing their place in the league for another season.
For Nagaland United, the fixture represents a landmark moment in the club’s short history. Founded in 2024 in Chümoukedima in Dimapur, the club will play in IFL in just two years. They are bringing national-league football to a state that has waited 78 years for representation in the competition, a state which had independent India’s first ever Captain, Dr. Talimeren Ao.
Real Kashmir FC are ready to lock horns against the IFL debutants Nagaland United SC on Friday, 30th October, 2026, from 18:30 IST at the TRC Stadium, Srinagar, Kashmir. Both sides will aim for a win in their first game to gain momentum from the first round itself.
The 2026-27 IFL season will see a total of 11 sides ready to compete for the Indian Super League (ISL) promotion spot. Nagaland United SC, Bengaluru United & Odisha’s Samaleswari SC will make their debuts, while Mohammedan SC join them, as they have been relegated from the Indian Super League.
The Stakes
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Real Kashmir FC
In the 2025-26 season under Head Coach Ishfaq Ahmed, Real Kashmir found momentum towards the end of the campaign, registering three consecutive victories during the relegation phase. A convincing 3–0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC followed by a 2–1 victory against Aizawl FC saw Real Kashmir finish the relegation phase at the top with 14 points.
With 13 new signings incoming ahead of the 2026-27 season, Real Kashmir FC are all in for this season, as players like Susnata Malick, who has immense experience after winning the last season’s IFL trophy with Diamond Harbour FC, along with Mohit Mittal, who also joined from DHFC and a clinical finisher like Marcus Joseph, also hold the fort for the Snow Leopards.
Real Kashmir head into this match as the favourites, Nagaland United SC will make their IFL debut. The home side will aim for the winning points to gain control from the start as home advantage might be the key for Ishfaq Ahmed’s club.
Nagaland United SC
Nagaland United SC will play their first IFL season. Their entry into the IFL was facilitated through a goodwill agreement with Aizawl FC, approved by the All India Football Federation on September 9, 2026. Under the arrangement, Nagaland United acquired Aizawl’s sporting rights for the league.
They have roped in the young Kaizad Ambapardiwalla as the Head Coach for the season. Kaizad served as the Head Coach for Jamshedpur FC during their quarterfinal run in the Durand Cup 2026, the final outing of the club.
He will lead a young side consisting of local players as the club is expected to provide a platform for emerging footballers and strengthen the region’s presence in the Indian football landscape. The club will be led by defender Rohmingthanga who has previous experience playing for Aizawl FC in I-League.
Team News
Both sides have their full squad apart from any injury and they are ready for their first IFL 2026-27 season clash which mark as the opening game of this new campaign.
Head-to-head record
This game will mark the first meeting between these two sides while Nagaland United SC also making their dream debut in the Indian Football League (IFL) in the spot of Aizawl FC.
Predicted Lineup
Real Kashmir FC (4-3-3)
Susnata Malick, Calvin Rosario Baretto, Iqlak Fayaz, Sajid Dhot, Sanatomba Singh, Syed Suhail Pasha, Kamal Issah, Mamoud Oshie, Ahteeb Ahmad Dar, Christian Moses, and Marcus Joseph
Player to watchout for
Marcus Joseph (RKFC)
There is an absolute need for a vast introduction of a player like Marcus Joseph, who has been a cult hero and saviour for many clubs he has played for, and now, in his final some footballing days in this age, he is set to play for the Snow Leopards after featuring for Dempo SC in the last season.
With the experience he has gained, he could be a beneficial addition to Real Kashmir FC, as his inclusion would not only give the mountain side an extra edge in attacking transitions, but his legacy could also serve as a learning curve for all the young players in the RKFC squad and the academy.
Against a new side like Nagaland United SC, his clinical finishing and advantage of playing on Indian soil for so long might add something different.
Rohmingthanga Bawlte (Nagaland United SC)
Rohmingthanga won and was awarded the best player of the tournament in the Independence Day Football Tournament 2026 for Aizwal FC.
The defender started out his career in the Aizawal FC football academy, and has since played for only Sudeva Delhi FC, where he also played in the Delhi Premier League. He then made his return to play for his hometown team, Aizawal FC, where he captained them to two trophies.
He is a commanding presence in the box for Nagaland United, who is also able to read opposition plays very well. Rohmingthanga also has amazing positioning & tackling skills, which can be of good use against Real Kashmir.
Telecast Details
As Khel Now revealed earlier, Real Kashmir FC are ready to lock horns against the IFL debutants Nagaland United SC on Friday, 30th October, 2026, from 18:30 IST at the TRC Stadium, Srinagar, Kashmir, as both sides will aim for a win in their first game to gain momentum from the first round itself.
The match and the rest of IFL 2026-27 season will be broadcast live on DD Sports, with live streaming on Waves OTT.
When will Real Kashmir FC play against Nagaland United SC?
The IFL 2026-27 season is set to start on 30th October, when Nagaland United SC will play their first IFL match against Real Kashmir FC, at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar. The match is slated to start at 6:30 PM IST.
When & where can I watch Real Kashmir FC play against Nagaland United SC?
Real Kashmir FC vs Nagaland United SC will be broadcast live on DD Sports, with live streaming on Waves OTT.
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