Which teams are still in ISL 2025-26 title race except East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG?

East Bengal are leading the ISL 2025-26 title race.

While all eyes were on the Kolkata Derby to provide clarity in the Indian Super League (ISL 2025-26) title race heading into the final week, the footballing gods had other plans as the two Kolkata giants played out a thrilling 1-1 draw.

The result has significantly dented Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s hopes of defending their ISL crown while simultaneously boosting East Bengal’s chances of lifting their maiden ISL title. Oscar Bruzon’s side are now still in control of their own destiny, as a victory in their final league game would guarantee them the championship regardless of results elsewhere.

RACE TO THE ISL TITLE ON 🔥🔥🔥!!This is how the ISL 2025-26 points table looks after the fierce 1-1 draw between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby! The Red and Gold still sit at the top of the league with goal difference of +18, while Mariners sit at second… pic.twitter.com/mXqw4vDNGZ

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) May 17, 2026

However, if East Bengal fail to win their final game and Mohun Bagan also drop points, the title race could open up dramatically for other clubs who are still mathematically in contention. That scenario would set up a thrilling final match week with multiple teams still dreaming of becoming ISL champions.

Here’s a look at the possible scenarios in which the remaining teams could still clinch the 2025/26 ISL title if the Kolkata giants fail to get the job done.

Punjab FC

Heading into the final match week unbeaten in their last five matches, Punjab FC will be full of confidence as they prepare to face Mumbai City FC in a crucial encounter. The Shers know they must give everything on the pitch to secure all three points, and hope results elsewhere work in their favor.

A victory would take Punjab FC to 25 points and eliminate Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC from the title race. However, Panagiotis Dilmperis’ side would still need both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to fail to win their respective final matches.

A win for either Kolkata club would take them to 26 points and officially end Punjab’s hopes of winning their maiden ISL title.

Jamshedpur FC

With 21 points, Jamshedpur FC arguably have the toughest route to the title among the remaining contenders. Owen Coyle’s side will host Odisha FC and will be expected to win all three points given their strong home form and overall superiority in terms of squad depth.

A win would take the Red Miners to 24 points, but even that would not be enough on its own. Jamshedpur FC would require both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to lose their final matches, while Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC would also need to play out a draw. Only then would the Red Miners have a chance of lifting the trophy.

Mumbai City FC

The equation for Mumbai City FC is quite similar to that of Punjab FC. However, before depending on other results, the Islanders must first overcome Punjab FC in the final clash, which could prove difficult given the recent dip in form for Petr Kratky’s side.

A win against Punjab FC would take the Islanders to 25 points and if both Kolkata giants fail to win their final league matches, the Islanders would be crowned champions of the 2025/26 ISL season irrespective of the result in Jamshedpur’s game against Odisha FC.

Bengaluru FC

Although Bengaluru FC have already completed their league fixtures and currently sit third with 23 points, there was still some speculation surrounding their mathematical chances of winning the title.

In theory, if none of the remaining contenders win and the Kolkata giants lose heavily enough to suffer a major blow to their goal difference, Bengaluru FC could still enter the conversation.

However, realistically, the Blues are effectively out of the title race. Even if both Kolkata clubs suffer heavy defeats, either of the three outcomes of the Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC clash would eliminate Bengaluru FC from contention.

A draw in that fixture would take Punjab FC level with Bengaluru on 23 points, but the Shers possess a superior goal difference. Meanwhile, a victory for either Punjab FC or Mumbai City FC would see them move ahead of Bengaluru in the standings. As a result, the Blues no longer have a realistic chance of clinching the ISL title.

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