Bengaluru FC kick off ISL 2025-26 campaign against debutant SC Delhi

Bengaluru FC look to dominate the debutants to make a statement.

Bengaluru FC are set to take on the debutants Sporting Club Delhi on 15th February, kicking off their ISL 2025-26 campaign at home. The match will be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.

The match between these two teams in ISL will be an interesting one to watch. Bengaluru FC and SC Delhi have never played a single match before, as this will be their first meeting.

On the side, Bengaluru FC with alot of confidence and experience. On the other hand, Sporting Delhi has a hunger to prove to everyone with a sheer fresh identity.

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC had a decent enough season in the 2024-25 ISL, finishing at number four in the points table with 38 points. In this new season, Bengaluru FC comes with a new hope and philosophy. We normally see that the Blues were famous for building the squad with star-studded players.

But in this season, they are looking for positive energy from the youth system. They focused more on a balanced squad with great teamwork. Under the new guidance of Renedy Singh, they are ready to take on any teams in the ISL with a new style.

As usual, Bengaluru FC have good players with great experience, as Sunil Chhetri will be the target man for Renedy Singh with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu on goal. Even at this age, Sunil is the main focal point for the Blues; he remains a reliable goal scorer for Bengaluru FC.

From the perspective of Bengaluru FC, the biggest thing for them will be the availability of Ashique Kuruniyan on the flank. He brings those crosses in the box, has that killing pace to overtake defenders. His runs down the flank can create space for other attackers and lead to goal-scoring chances.

Sporting Club Delhi

Sporting Club Delhi are the new names in the ISL 2025-26 season. They were previously known as Hyderabad FC. Right now, they shifted their base to the capital and rebranded with a new identity. The Phoenix will be a dark horse in this league.

In this first season, Sporting Club Delhi recruited Thomas Thorz as their head coach. He has a great footballing philosophy, loves to create the team with young souls and intent. His teams are typically built around young, high-energy players, supported by a core of seasoned professionals.

In this first season, they also secured some good transfers, like experienced Ashutosh Mehta and former Inter Kashi attacking threat Matija Bobavic. SC Delhi also signed Ghanaian midfielders Abdul-Halik Hudu and Ebenezer Amoh.

To strengthen the defensive line further, the club made a few key additions during the window. Clarence Fernandes returns from a loan to add depth and versatility, while Rafael Ribeiro brings foreign experience and physical presence.

Team News

Bengaluru FC are set to charge on against Sporting Club Delhi with their full squad. The return of Ashique Kuruniyan gives a major boost to the attack of the Blues.

With a positive intent to play their first match away from home at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, SC Delhi is ready with their full strength team. But Mohammed Rafi, their defender, was injured.

Head-to-Head

Bengaluru FC and SC Delhi have never played a single match before, as this will be their first meeting.

Predicted Lineups

Bengaluru FC (Formation: 4-3-3)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh, Roshan Singh Naorem, Nikhil Poojary, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brian Sanchez, Sirojiddin Kuziev, Ashique Kuruniyan, Ryan Williams, Sunil Chhetri

Sporting Club Delhi ( Formation: 4-3-3 )

GK – Nora Fernandes, Lamgoulen Gou Hangshing, Alex Saji, Rafael Ribeiro, Manoj Mohammad, Abdul Hakku Nediyodath, Mohammed Azhar, Ramhlunchhunga, Mohammed Aimen, Joseph Sunny, Matija Bobavic

Players to watch

Ryan Williams ( Bengaluru FC )

Ryan Williams will be a key attacking outlet for Bengaluru FC heading into the clash against Sporting Club Delhi. He brings space, directness, and creativity in the final third, making him a constant threat to opposition defenders.

He is also known for his ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations and deliver his balls into the box. His movement on the flanks can help stretch Delhi’s defensive shape and create a void for his teammates.

Matija Bobavic ( Sporting Club Delhi )

Attacking through the line, the central zone could be occupied by a foreign attacker, most likely Matija Bobavic or another overseas option, depending on tactical needs.

Deploying a foreigner in this role adds unpredictability, 1v1 ability, and attacking output from wide areas, especially in matches where SC Delhi need greater penetration.

Broadcast Details

The 2025-26 ISL game between Bengaluru FC and Sporting Club Delhi will take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday (15 February, 2026). The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST. It will be shown live on the Sony Ten 2 and live-streamed on Fancode.

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.