Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC Preview: Predicted lineups, start time & where to watch ISL 2025-26

It is a must win game for both Punjab FC & Mumbai City FC

May 21, Thursday, is set to be one of the most important dates in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 title race. Five title contenders will be playing at the same time across different venues in their final league match of the season. By the end of the night, the destination of the ISL trophy could finally be decided and we will have a champion for sure.

One of the most interesting fixtures of the evening will see two direct title contenders, Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC, go head-to-head in a high-stakes clash. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.

With the title race going down to the last match, victory will be the target for both sides as they look to keep their ISL title dream alive.

The ISL 2025-26 title race now comes down to one final day, 21st May! 🏟️ 🔥 5 title contenders, 4 Venues at the same time will decide who lifts the ISL 2025-26 title. Take a look at title scenarios for each of these 5 teams involved in the final day title drama!!! 🔥 ⚽⏳#ISL… pic.twitter.com/0L3zNIaVnu

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) May 19, 2026

The Stakes

Punjab FC

For Punjab FC, this is a do or die match, Punjab FC did not come to a lot of limelight this season, but they kept doing their job, getting important points and now they are just a step away from ISL glory. Punjab are currently 4th on the points table just one point behind East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC so the equation is very simple, win the game against Mumbai City FC anyhow.

If Punjab FC manage to get three points against Mumbai City FC, they would need Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC to either draw their respective games or lose it, which cannot be ruled out. So, win this match against Mumbai City FC and you become the top contender to lift the ISL 2025-26 season.

Mumbai City FC

For Mumbai City FC, the stakes are exactly the same. A win against Punjab FC is a must if they want to stay alive in the title race. But unlike Punjab FC, Mumbai City were once considered the favourites to lift the ISL 2025-26 title.

At one stage, the Islanders looked set to comfortably cruise towards another league triumph, but costly dropped points in crucial moments have brought them into this tense final-day scenario.

Now, everything comes down to one last battle. If Mumbai City FC secure all three points against Punjab FC, they would then need Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC to either draw or lose their respective matches.

Despite the pressure, Mumbai still have the experience and mentality of a champion side, but any slip-up now would mean watching the trophy slip away after being so close for most of the season.

Team News

For Punjab FC, Nikhil Prabhu and Muhammad Suhail will miss the game due to an injury.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz is likely to miss out for Mumbai City FC due to an injury.

Head-to-Head record in ISL

Matches played: 4

Won by Punjab FC: 1

Won by Mumbai City FC: 2

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Punjab FC (4-3-3) 

Arshdeep Singh (GK); Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Pramveer, Muhammed Uvais; Ricky Shabong, Samir Zeljkovic, Dani Ramirez; Bede Osuji, Nsungusi Effiong, Manglenthang Kipgen.

Mumbai City FC (4-2-3-1)

Phurba Lachenpa (GK), Akash Mishra, Nuno Reis, Bijay Chhetri, Valpuia, Lalnuntluanga, Joni Kauko, Noufal, Brandon Fernandes, Vikram Partap Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte

Players to Watchout

Nsungusi Effiong (Punjab FC)

For Punjab FC in this must win match against Mumbai City FC, their forward Effiong could be a key. The Punjab FC forward has been in a tremendous form this season scoring 7 goals for the Shers in 12 matches. The goals have proved very helpful to the Punjab FC side as the striker has been in the form of his life.

So, if Punjab want to get the job done against Mumbai City, they will need their striker to step up and lead from front and give them a good start in the match. Effiong’s pace, physicality and finishing can be a very tough challenge for the Islanders.

Noufal PN (Mumbai City FC)

Noufal could be the game changer for Mumbai City FC in this title decider against Punjab FC. The winger’s pace, direct attacking and confidence in big matches make him a serious threat heading into this must-win clash.

The youngster has impressed throughout the season and is also slowly entering the conversation to represent India and has also been named in the probable names for India’s Unity Cup 2026 squad.

Telecast Details

All four ISL 2025-26 title-decider matches will be live-streamed on FanCode & broadcast on the Sony Sports simultaneously @KhelNowInter Kashi vs East Bengal -Sony Ten 2 Punjab FC vs Mumbai City -Sony Ten 5 Mohun Bagan vs SC Delhi -Sony Ten 1 Jamshedpur FC vs Odisha FC -TBD

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) May 20, 2026

Mumbai City FC are set to battle it out against Punjab FC in a do or die match. The match is scheduled to kick off the game on Thursday, May 21st, 2026, from 19:30 IST at the JLN Stadium, New Delhi.

Fans will be able to watch the match live on FanCode, which will stream all ISL fixtures during the 2025–26 season.

Live television coverage of the match will be available on Sony TEN 5. Outside India, in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 matches will be live-streamed on the FanCode app.

Begin Watch is the official broadcast partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) 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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