Punjab FC hosts FC Goa in high-stakes ISL 2025-26 encounter

FC Goa remains as one of the unbeaten teams in the ISL this season

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi will host the game between Punjab FC and FC Goa on Monday. Both teams have had a decent start to their respective Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 campaign and would look to put their foot on the accelerator in the coming games.

The clash between Punjab FC and FC Goa in the Indian Super League is expected to be an exciting encounter, with both teams known for playing a similar, attacking style of football.

Their positive approach and willingness to go forward should make for an open and entertaining contest, promising plenty of action for the fans.

The Stakes

Punjab FC

The Shers have recovered following their 1-0 loss to Jamshedpur FC by picking up a win in Bengaluru and a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United.

With four points in three games, Punjab FC have shown determination and an attractive playing style under Panagiotis Dilmperis.

Punjab are currently eighth in the points table, and a win will help them secure a place in the top half of the table.

FC Goa

Manolo Marquez’s side remain unbeaten after playing out a goalless draw against East Bengal last week. FC Goa are on eight points after four games and are currently fighting it out for the third place.

A win will help them keep pace with the league leaders Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur FC as they hunt for their second trophy this season.

Team News

There are no suspensions or major injury concerns in both the Punjab FC and FC Goa camps ahead of this game.

Head-to-Head Stats

Overall Head-to-Head Record between the two clubs stand as follows:

Matches played in all competitions: 5

Won by Punjab FC: 0

Won by FC Goa: 4

Games that ended in a draw: 1

The most recent game between Punjab FC and FC Goa was in the Kalinga Super Cup 2024-25, last April. The Gaurs picked up a 2-1 win in the quarterfinals courtesy of a Mohammed Yasir goal in the 90+3rd minute.

Predicted Line-ups

Punjab FC (4-4-2)

Arshdeep Singh (GK), Muhammad Uvais, Pablo, Bijoy Varghese, Lhungdim, Nikhil Prabhu, Ricky Shabong, Dani Ramirez, Manglenthang Kipgen, Bede Osuji, Nsungusi Effiong

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Hrithik Tiwari (GK), Aakash Sangwan, Sandesh Jhingan, Pol Moreno, Boris Singh, Brison Fernandes, Ayush Chhetri, Sahil Tavora, Udanta Singh, Dejan Drazic, Ishan Pandita

Players to watchout

Nsungusi Effiong (Punjab FC)

All three of Punjab FC’s goals this season have been scored by their striker Nsungusi Effiong. The Nigerian joined the Shers, making a move from Romanian club UTA Arad, and has become a fan favorite in just three games.

Effiong’s brace against Bengaluru FC was nothing short of sensational and to add to that, he scored a backheel goal against NorthEast United to rescue a point at home last week.

Expect the 26-year-old to run the show against FC Goa on Monday.

Dejan Drazic (FC Goa)

Similar to Effiong, Dejan Drazic has been FC Goa’s biggest attacking threat, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 4 ISL games.

The Serbian has been involved in every goal so far and his presence will continue to give his side a boost in the upcoming games.

Did You Know?

• FC Goa have never lost to Punjab FC in their five meetings
• The Gaurs have kept clean sheets in their last three ISL games and have conceded just one goal in 4 games
• With 6.7 accurate crosses per match, Punjab FC’s wingers have been on-song so far in the ISL this season

Telecast

The match between Punjab FC vs FC Goa will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi on Monday (16th March 2026).

The game will kick-off at 7:30 pm IST. In India, the match will be telecast on TV LIVE on the Sony Ten 2 channel. It will also be streamed online live on FanCode App.

Outside India, in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the Indian Super League 2025–26 matches will be live-streamed on FanCode.

Begin Watch is the official broadcast partner for the Indian Super League 2025–26 season in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. In all other remaining countries, live streaming will be available on the FanCode YouTube channel.

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