ISL 2025-26 Final Matchday Preview: Five teams fight out for Indian Super League title
East Bengal FC are leading the ISL standings heading into the final matchday
While fans and pundits alike were left wondering whether the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season would even kick off, the campaign has now reached its dramatic finale, with eight teams set to battle simultaneously this Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 19:30 IST.
The footballing gods could hardly have written the script any better, as five of the eight sides in action still remain mathematically very much alive in the ISL title race, taking the championship battle right down to the final whistle of the season.
East Bengal FC currently holds pole position in the ISL title race. The equation is straightforward for the Red & Gold Brigade, win and they secure their first national league crown in nearly 22 years. The remaining four contenders, meanwhile, not only need victories of their own but must also rely on favourable outcomes elsewhere to keep their title dreams alive.
Inter Kashi FC vs East Bengal FC
The Stakes
East Bengal FC
For East Bengal, the objective is crystal clear: claim all three points, lift the ISL trophy and finally end years of heartbreak for their supporters.
Facing an Inter Kashi side without Antonio Habas and arguably lacking the same squad depth and quality as the Kolkata giants, Oscar Bruzon’s men will back themselves to get the job done if they execute the basics properly.
Inter Kashi FC
Inter Kashi, playing their first season in ISL, have already accomplished their primary target of avoiding relegation. With survival secured, they now play for pride and have the opportunity to play spoiler in one of the biggest fixtures of the season, knowing a positive result could derail East Bengal’s title charge.
Team News
East Bengal will be sweating over the availability of Saul Crespo ahead of the ISL title decider, while Edmund remains suspended following his red card against Mohun Bagan SG. Souvik returns after serving his suspension and is expected to slot straight back into midfield.
For Inter Kashi, Mario Barco remains side-lined, while Spanish goalkeeper Lluis Tarres has also been missing from recent matchday squads. Jayesh Rane’s availability for the season finale is still uncertain.
Head-to-Head
No prior H2H record between Inter Kashi FC & East Bengal FC
Predicted Lineups
Inter Kashi FC (4-4-2):
Shubham Das (GK); Sandip Mandi, David Humanes, Narender Gahlot, Nishu Kumar; Rohit Danu, Tomba Singh, Sergio Llamas, Mohammed Asif; Alfred Planas, Seiminlen Doungel.
East Bengal FC (3-4-3):
Prabhsukhan Gill (GK); Mohammad Rakip, Kevin Sibille, Anwar Ali; PV Vishnu, Souvik Chakrabarti, Mohammed Rashid, Bipin Singh; Nandhakumar Sekar, Youssef Ezzejjairi, Miguel Figueira.
Mohun Bagan SG vs SC Delhi
The Stakes
Mohun Bagan SG
Defending ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant find themselves under pressure after giving up momentum in the title race despite holding the early advantage during the campaign.
The Mariners must beat Sporting Club Delhi and hope East Bengal fail to win against Inter Kashi. Should both outcomes fall in their favour, Mohun Bagan SG would retain the ISL crown.
SC Delhi
Sporting Club Delhi, competing in their maiden ISL campaign since rebranding from Hyderabad FC, have shown promising signs throughout the season, considering their young Indian core and the relatively inexperienced foreign contingent in their squad.
Winless in their last five matches and coming off a goalless draw against Inter Kashi, Tomasz Tchorz’s men will be eager to finish the season strongly while also denting Mohun Bagan SG’s title ambitions.
Team News
Mohun Bagan SG are set to suffer a defensive setback with Alberto Rodriguez suspended after accumulating four yellow cards. Asish Rai also continues to remain unavailable for the Mariners.
Meanwhile, Sporting Club Delhi are still awaiting clarity over the fitness of Alex Saji and Rafael Ribeiro ahead of the clash.
Head-to-Head
No prior H2H record between Mohun Bagan SG & SC Delhi (although Mohun Bagan SG played Hyderabad FC before)
Predicted Lineups
Mohun Bagan SG (4-2-3-1):
Vishal Kaith (GK); Abhishek Singh, Tom Aldred, Mehtab Singh, Subhasish Bose; Lalengmawia Ralte, Anirudh Thapa; Liston Colaco, Dimi Petratos, Robson Robinho; Jamie Maclaren.
SC Delhi (3-4-3):
Nora Fernandes (GK); Len Gogou Hangshing, Clarence Fernandes, Manoj Mohammed; Sourav, Abdul Halik Hudu, Ousmane Fane, Augustine Lalrochana; Joseph Sunny, Matija Babovic, Mohammed Aimen.
Jamshedpur FC vs Odisha FC
The Stakes
Jamshedpur FC
Jamshedpur FC would arguably have been in the driver’s seat had they managed to defeat Bengaluru FC in their previous outing. Nevertheless, Owen Coyle’s side remains in contention.
Victory against Odisha FC, combined with defeats for both Kolkata clubs, East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG, and a draw between Mumbai City FC and Punjab FC, could still hand the Red Miners an unlikely ISL title triumph. Unlikely, but never impossible in football.
Odisha FC
Odisha FC have endured a difficult campaign filled with a lot of setbacks, from missing out on the Super Cup to delayed pre-season preparations ahead of ISL. Despite those challenges, the Juggernauts have managed to avoid relegation and will now aim to close the season positively with a result against Jamshedpur FC.
However, overcoming Jamshedpur at their fortress will be a stern challenge, with the home side having suffered just one defeat at home all season.
Team News
Jamshedpur FC are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection, whereas Odisha FC will miss Carlos Delgado after the defender picked up an injury in the previous game.
Rahim Ali’s availability also remains uncertain heading into the final fixture of the season.
Head-to-Head
- Total Matches – 12
- Jamshedpur FC wins – 5
- Odisha FC wins – 6
- Draws – 1
Predicted Lineups
Jamshedpur FC (4-2-3-1):
Albino Gomes (GK); Sarthak Golui, Pratik Chaudhari, Stephen Eze, Nikhil Barla; Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu, Nikola Stojanovic; Rosenberg Gabriel, Madih Talal, Mohammed Sanan; Messi Bouli.
Odisha FC (4-2-3-1):
Amrinder Singh (GK), Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Thoiba Singh, Tejas Krishna, Subham Bhattacharya; Hitesh Sharma, Puitea; Rahul KP, Lalrinfela, Isak Vanlalruatfela; VP Suhair.
Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC
The Stakes
Mumbai City FC
For Mumbai City FC, the answer heading into the final matchday is clear. A win against Punjab FC is non-negotiable if they want to stay in the hunt for the ISL title.
However, getting the three points alone will not be enough, as they would also need both the Kolkata giants, East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG to drop points in their respective fixtures. If neither of the Kolkata clubs manages to win, Mumbai City FC could end the night as ISL champions with a victory over Punjab, irrespective of what happens in Jamshedpur FC vs Odisha FC clash.
Punjab FC
Punjab FC enter the final day knowing that their destiny is in their own hands similar to Mumbai City FC. The Shers currently hold a slight edge on goal difference over Mumbai City FC, but only a win in their direct clash will keep their title hopes alive.
Along with securing all three points, Punjab FC would also need both Kolkata giants, East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG to fail to win their matches. If that happens, Punjab FC would script history by lifting the ISL trophy regardless of the result involving Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC.
Team News
Punjab FC will continue to be without long-term absentees Nikhil Prabhu and Muhammad Suhail, while Mumbai City FC are likely to have a near full-strength squad available apart from Jorge Pereyra Diaz, who has missed the club’s last few matches.
Head-to-Head
- Total Matches – 5
- Punjab FC wins – 1
- Mumbai City FC wins – 3
- Draws – 1
Predicted Lineups
Mumbai City FC (4-2-3-1):
Phurba Lachenpa (GK); Akash Mishra, Nuno Reis, Bijay Chhetri, Valpuia; Zothanpuia, Joni Kauko; Jorge Ortiz, Brandon Fernandes, Vikram Partap Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte.
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.
Telecast details
All four matches will take place on May 21, 2026 and are scheduled to kick off at 19:30 IST. The match will be shown live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD and will be available to stream on FanCode.
- Inter Kashi FC vs East Bengal FC – 19:30 IST at Kishore Bharati Stadium, Kolkata
- Mohun Bagan SG vs SC Delhi – 19:30 IST at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
- Jamshedpur FC vs Odisha FC – 19:30 IST at JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur
- Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC – 19:30 IST at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
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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Shyam Sundar is an Indian football fan turned writer who has been covering the sport since 2023, after following it closely since 2020. He has reported on the ISL, I-League, IWL, and Indian national team matches. A passionate football enthusiast, he holds a special place in his heart for Chennaiyin FC and Manchester United.