ISL 2024-25: Teams who can still qualify for the ISL playoffs

A look at the potential scenarios for the teams battling it out for the top-six playoff qualification.

As the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) is entering the final few weeks of the regular season, the battle among the teams to seal their playoff qualification has heated up. While league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have won the ISL shield and sealed their playoff berth, clubs like FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, and NorthEast United FC have also booked their playoff spots after recent victories.

Based on the current competition format, only the top-six teams at the end of matchweek 26 will make it to the playoffs. While the top two teams secure a direct place in the semi-finals, the remaining four battle it out in a winner-takes-all one-off game.

The winners from this playoff will earn a place in the semi-finals, enjoying home advantage after finishing in the third and fourth spots. Here’s a look at the scenarios for teams vying for the final two ISL playoff spots:

Can Mumbai City FC repeat as ISL champions?

The Islanders are out of the running for the top two automatic semi-final spots. Mumbai needs to draw one of their remaining two games to qualify for the ISL playoffs.

The reigning and defending champions will be facing Kerala Blasters FC, and Bengaluru FC in their final two games. They can ensure qualification with fewer points if the results of other games go their way.

ALSO READ: ISL 2024-25: Updated Points Table, most goals, and most assists after match 144, East Bengal FC vs Bengaluru FC

The Juggernauts’ playoff hopes are nearly over

Odisha FC has had a topsy-turvy season in the ISL and now are dependent on other results their draw with Mohammedan SC. The club were out of the League Shield to race a few match weeks back and also had no chance of finishing in the top two spots.

The club needs Mumbai City FC to lose both their remaining games and also need to significantly improve their goal difference.

East Bengal FC are out of the ISL playoffs

The Torchbearers cannot seal ISL playoff qualification anymore after their 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC in matchweek 25. East Bengal were required to win their remaining two games, however with one match remaining the window is officially closed.

It was a tall order job considering the fact that even if the Torchbearers won all their games, the club’s playoff fate depends on multiple results. It seems the club is on to another season of rebuild as the wait continues for their first ISL title.

No playoffs, no party for Kerala Blasters FC

The Tuskers‘ playoff hopes are over after their recent 1-1 draw with Jamshedpur FC. In order to qualify for the playoffs, the club needed to win all their remaining matches, including a 2-0 or better win over Mumbai City FC.

However, with their draw against the Red Miners. It’s all over for the Manjappada as the wait for playoff football gets pushed by another year.

The rest are out of playoff contention

Clubs like Punjab FC, and Chennaiyin FC have also went out of playoff contention, with their losses to FC Goa and Bengaluru FC respectively. While they had a fading chance at playoff football, any viable chance went up in smoke after those tough defeats.

Apart from these clubs, Hyderabad FC and Mohammedan SC have already missed out on playoff contention after a rough run of game results until matchweek 22. As the clubs continue to battle it out for playoff survival, the fans will surely feel enthralled by the action in the weeks ahead.

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