ISL 2026-27: FC Goa fixtures for Phase 1

The Gaurs will begin their ISL 2026-27 campaign against Chennaiyin FC.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 fixtures list are finally out, setting the stage for another thrilling season of top-flight Indian football.

The 2026-27 ISL will also return to the traditional home-and-away format, with 13 teams competing in a double round-robin league. The season is scheduled to run until May 2027, giving clubs a considerably longer campaign than the previous edition.

For FC Goa, the season will be about combining continuity with change. The club have retained the core philosophy that has shaped their football in recent years while making significant changes to the coaching staff and playing squad.

FC Goa endured a challenging 2025-26 campaign amid uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League. Several foreign players, including David Timor, Iker Guarrotxena, Javier Siverio and Borja Herrera, departed the club during the season, leaving the Gaurs with just two foreigners when the ISL eventually began.

Despite the disruption, FC Goa produced a competitive league campaign, finishing seventh with 20 points from 13 matches and remaining in the title race until Matchweek 10.

The Gaurs, however, enjoyed greater success in the AIFF Super Cup, defeating Mumbai City FC in the semi-final before beating East Bengal FC on penalties to win the trophy for a record third time.

The Gaurs will open their ISL campaign at home against Chennaiyin FC on October 10. The fixture carries additional significance because Chennaiyin’s squad include former FC Goa players Brison Fernandes and Ayush Chhetri, while their head coach Clifford Miranda also has a previous association with the Gaurs.

The remaining fixtures will be added once the subsequent phases of the ISL 2026-27 schedule are announced.

Gouramangi Singh begins a new chapter

One of the biggest changes at FC Goa is in the dugout, Gouramangi Singh has taken charge as the club’s new head coach ahead of 2026-27 ISL season.

The former India defender joined the club’s coaching staff in 2022 and spent four seasons as assistant coach and worked alongside with Manolo Marquez for past three seaons. He was involved in the team’s technical planning and playing identity before being promoted to the top job.

His appointment represents continuity rather than a complete departure from FC Goa’s established footballing philosophy. Gouramangi Singh already knows the squad, the club’s culture and its expectations, while his previous involvement with the first team gives him familiarity with the players.

His immediate challenge will be integrating several new faces while maintaining the team’s identity. FC Goa have also stated that their recruitment has focused on players who fit the club’s style and culture rather than simply relying on high-profile names.

Also Read: ISL 2026-27: Mohun Bagan fixtures for Phase 1

FC Goa face a busy season

The Gaurs will open their ISL campaign at home against Chennaiyin FC on October 10. FC Goa will then host Sporting Club Delhi on October 28 before travelling to face Inter Kashi on November 1. They will return to Fatorda to take on Bengaluru FC on November 6.

The Gaurs will subsequently travel to Guwahati to face NorthEast United FC on November 21 before an away clash against Odisha FC on December 9.

The remaining fixtures will be added once the subsequent phases of the ISL 2026-27 schedule are announced.

The Gaurs’ campaign will not be limited to domestic football. FC Goa will also participate in the AFC Challenge League after their AFC Champions League Two campaign ended at the preliminary stage.

They have been drawn in Group C alongside Kuwait’s Qadsia SC, Bangladesh’s Fortis FC and Tajikistan’s Regar-TadAZ, with the group-stage matches scheduled to take place in Kuwait.

The historic Goan Derby awaits

The December 13 fixture against Churchill Brothers will be one of the biggest talking points of FC Goa’s season.

Churchill Brothers have entered the ISL after taking over Jamshedpur FC’s sporting licence, subject to the required regulatory approvals. Their arrival means Goa will have two clubs competing in the country’s top division.

The fixture at Fatorda will therefore be the first-ever ISL meeting between FC Goa and Churchill Brothers, creating a new derby for Indian football.

FC Goa’s first-phase fixtures

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