ISL 2025-26: Title scenario explained as Indian Super League enters final stretch

East Bengal FC are the current table toppers of ISL 2025-26

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 enters its final stretch. With last matchweek to go, the title race is getting very tight. This season due to the shorter format, the league phase has changed, there will be no playoffs this time.

The table toppers at the end of the 13th Matchweek will lift the ISL title and further qualify to play in Asia at the continental stage representing India. So, the importance of every match is very important.

As the league approaches its deciding phase, there are 5 teams who are very much in contention for the ISL glory. Let us take a look at the scenarios for the ISL 2025-26 title race.

The Favourites

Mohun Bagan SG

Mohun Bagan SG are currently sitting at the 2nd spot in ISL points table with 23 points from 12 matches, having won 6, drawn 5, and lost just once. Their performance so far has been good but in recent fixtures they have dropped crucial points including the last match against East Bengal FC.

At this stage, the advantage now lies with East Bengal FC after the two sides played out a draw in the Kolkata Derby, a match that was seen as a potential title decider. East Bengal now hold the edge with a superior goal difference, while things are no longer as comfortable for Mohun Bagan SG as they once were earlier in the season.

With one match left against SC Delhi, Mohun Bagan SG must secure a win, and even then, they would still need East Bengal to lose or draw their final game.

All things considered, Mohun Bagan SG look are among the favourites at this point but not very comfortably and does not have an advantage now, so the chances are possible of reclaiming the ISL title if the things go their way.

East Bengal FC

At one point in the season, many questioned whether East Bengal FC could truly stay in the ISL title race despite consistently putting in strong performances and climbing up the table.

However, now they are clear favourites despite being on equal points with Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC as they have an advantage on both Goal Difference and H2H mini table.

Currently placed 1st with 23 points from 12 matches, East Bengal have won 6, drawn 5, and lost just once so far. If they registered a victory in the recently concluded Kolkata Derby, they would have been very close to the title.

They stopped rivals Mohun Bagan SG from getting crucial points and now in their last match face Inter Kashi where a win would for sure guarantee them the ISL 2025-26 title.

It’s a storyline that would be nothing short of unforgettable, a potential title decided in the Kolkata Derby, with East Bengal completing a remarkable late push to the top. These two sides are among the few who still have their fate firmly in their own hands.

With that being said, the road ahead is not so easy as Inter Kashi can trouble them just like Kashi did against Mohun Bagan SG and if that happens the other remaining teams will come into the picture for the title.

All things considered, East Bengal have a genuine shot at the title, and their chances are real possible.

Jamshedpur FC

There is certainly still an outside chance for Jamshedpur FC in the title race, and surprisingly, it remains a very real possibility. The Red Miners are currently sixth with 21 points and have one match left against a struggling Odisha FC side, a game they will be expected to win.

If Jamshedpur secure all three points, they would move to 24 points. From there, they would need the final match between Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC to end in a draw, which is a realistic possibility. At the same time, both East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG would need to lose their final matches.

If all those results fall into place, Jamshedpur FC would remarkably finish one point above Mohun Bagan SG, Bengaluru FC and East Bengal to win the title. While the scenario is definitely possible, their fate still heavily depends on multiple other results going in their favour.

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC have faced a challenging campaign, especially after the off-season uncertainty surrounding the ISL and the departure of the City Football Group from ownership, along with the exits of several key foreign players. Considering those circumstances, their season has still been commendable under head coach Petr Kratky.

The Islanders are currently fifth in the table and level on points with Punjab FC heading into a crucial final league game between the two sides. Earlier in the season, Mumbai City looked like genuine title favourites, but a poor run of form in recent weeks has pushed them into a position where they now depend on other results as well.

The equation, however, is still clear for Mumbai City FC. They must defeat Punjab FC in their final game and then hope that both East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG either draw or lose their respective matches. If that happens, Mumbai City could get their hands on the ISL title.

While their chances are no longer fully in their own hands, the possibility remains serious and realistic enough to keep them firmly in contention. Their title chance is still very much possible for them.

Punjab FC

Punjab FC have quietly kept themselves in the title conversation despite not being among the early favourites this season. Their consistency across the campaign has ensured that they remain firmly in contention heading into the final round of matches.

Punjab FC are currently level on points with Mumbai City FC and sit in a strong position ahead of a crucial final league clash between the two sides. While other teams have dominated the spotlight throughout the season, Punjab have managed to stay within touching distance of the top and now have a genuine opportunity to make a late charge for the title.

The equation for Punjab FC is straightforward. They must defeat Mumbai City FC in their final game and then hope that both East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG either draw or lose their respective matches. Should those results go in their favour, Punjab FC could remarkably end the season as champions.

Although their destiny is not entirely in their own hands, the possibility remains very real and keeps them strongly alive in the race. Their title chances are possible and realistic.

Still in contention

FC Goa

FC Goa are currently seventh in the ISL points table with 20 points from 12 matches, and while they are still mathematically alive in the title race, the situation does not look very realistic for the Gaurs.

Their final league game comes against Kerala Blasters FC, who are currently in strong form, making it a genuine 50-50 contest rather than an easy opportunity for Goa to collect three points. Even if FC Goa manage to win and move to 23 points, they would still need several other results to go in their favour.

The title path for Goa is extremely complicated at this stage, with heavy dependence on teams above them dropping points in their final fixtures.

While there is still a very small outside chance mathematically, there is no very real possibility of them winning the title from here, however they can try to finish second and if Mohun Bagan SG lifts the title, Goa will get the direct spot to ACL 2 as Mohun Bagan are currently banned by AFC. Their chances realistically remain tough to win the title.

Almost no chance

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC find themselves in a very difficult position in the title race despite currently being level on points with both Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC. However, unlike those sides, Bengaluru have already completed all of their league matches, which leaves their fate completely out of their own hands.

The situation is highly doubtful for them. Since they cannot add any more points to their tally, they now have to rely entirely on multiple results going in their favour. There is also a strong possibility that the final standings could come down to a head-to-head table between the tied teams, and in that scenario, Bengaluru FC are unlikely to come out on top.

That makes their path to the title extremely complicated despite being level on points at this stage. So, this is not a possibility and the chances of Bengaluru FC getting their hands on the title is almost impossible.

Inter Kashi FC

Inter Kashi are currently placed 9th on the table, with 13 points from 12 matches. While their position keeps them within touching distance of the mid-table pack, the reality is that their chances in the ISL 2025–26 title race look extremely slim at this stage.

The gap to the top is vast, and it is most certainly impossible for them to compete for the ISL title.

However, in what is their debut season in the league, Inter Kashi have shown glimpses of a promising and attractive brand of football. There have been encouraging signs in their performances, suggesting that the team has a solid foundation to build on.

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC are most certainly out of the ISL 2025–26 title race, with their poor start to the season leaving them too far behind the frontrunners to realistically get back into contention.

Even though their recent resurgence has seen them climb to 8th in the table, the gap at the top makes it almost impossible for them to enter the title conversation at this stage.

However, the mid-season arrival of Ashley Westwood has completely changed the trajectory of their campaign.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC were one of the most talked-about teams at the start of the season, especially after an active transfer window where they brought in experienced ISL foreign signings and looked well-equipped on paper. There was genuine expectation that they could be strong contenders in the ISL 2025–26 title race.

However, their campaign has fallen well short of those expectations. With just 9 points from 13 matches, they currently sit 13th on the table, and their inconsistent performances have left them far behind the leading pack.

At this stage, they have no matches left and are out.

Sporting Club Delhi

Sporting Club Delhi, the rebranded side from Hyderabad FC, have shown a few positive glimpses this season but have lacked the consistency needed to compete.

Sitting 11th with 11 points from 12 matches, they are effectively out of the ISL 2025–26 title race, with the gap to the top already too big to bridge.

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC, two-time Durand Cup winners under Juan Pedro Benali, looked to be building a strong project in recent seasons, but this campaign has seen that momentum fade. However, the Highlanders have seemed to gain some momentum and would like to end their campaign on a positive note.

Missing key players from last year has clearly affected their performances, and they now sit 10th with 13 points from 12 matches. As a result, they have never really been in the ISL 2025–26 title race and are effectively out of contention.

Odisha FC

Odisha FC came into the season with very little expectation after a difficult phase, but they have managed to show some resilience and pull themselves slightly away from the relegation zone.

Despite that improvement, their overall campaign remains underwhelming, with just 10 points from 12 matches. Given the gap to the top, they are firmly out of the ISL 2025–26 title race and are no longer in contention.

Mohammedan SC

Mohammedan SC sit at the bottom of the table with no wins and just 3 points from 12 matches, making their ISL 2025–26 title hopes nonexistent.

In fact, rather than being in the race, they have completely fallen out of contention altogether. Their struggles throughout the season have now officially resulted in relegation, and the club will compete in the IFL next season after failing to survive in the top division.

For Inter Kashi, Chennaiyin FC, SC Delhi, Kerala Blasters FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC and Mohammedan SC, the title race is realistically out of reach at this stage.

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