IWL 2025-26: Round 1 preview: Sethu FC, Gokulam Kerala aim for winning starts

The IWL action kicks off in Kolkata with Round 1 fixtures on Saturday.

The 2025-26 season of the Indian Women’s League (IWL), the nation’s premier women’s football competition, launched its opening round of matches on Saturday. Eight clubs began their bid for top honours with fixtures at the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata and Kalyani Municipal Stadium.

The season’s first set of scheduled contests showcase an exciting blend of established teams and ambitious challengers underlining the growth and competitiveness of women’s football in India. Let us take a look at the Round 1 fixtures.

Round 1 Fixtures of IWL 2025-26:

• Sethu FC vs Kickstart FC
• NITA FA vs Gokulam Kerala FC
• Garhwal United vs SESA FA

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Sethu FC vs Kickstart FC

The curtain-raiser will see Sethu FC take on Kickstart FC in the first match of the day at the National Centre of Excellence, with both sides eager to start the campaign with confidence and with all three points. Sethu, a club with a rich IWL history and former champions, will be looking to regain prominence after a mid-table finish last season, and looking to start on the bright side.

Kickstart FC, known for its consistency and resilience, aims to build momentum early and challenge higher-ranked opponents as the league progresses. A game between two sides with high stakes which will shape their respective IWL campaigns.

NITA FA vs Gokulam Kerala FC

In another early fixture, NITA FA will face Gokulam Kerala FC at Kalyani Stadium. Gokulam Kerala, perennial contenders and one of the most successful clubs in IWL history, enters the season with fresh ambitions after narrowly missing out on last year’s title.

Gokulam’s experience and tactical discipline make them one of the favourites for the 2025-26 crown alongside reigning champions East Bengal FC. NITA FA, meanwhile, will be keen to upset the odds and secure a positive result against the Malabarians on opening day in Round 1.

Garhwal United vs SESA FA

Later in the afternoon, Garhwal United will square off against SESA FA at the National Centre of Excellence in Round 1. Garhwal United, the newly promoted side earning their place by winning IWL 2, looking to bring fresh energy and excitement to the top tier.

The debutants are determined to prove that their ascendancy to the top-tier is no fluke, while SESA FA, another promoted outfit, looks to establish itself and avoid an early slip and hand their opponents the advantage.

IWL 2025-26 format

The 2025-26 IWL season is structured in two phases, with the first running through January 2026, allowing players to balance club commitments with national team responsibilities ahead of continental tournaments. A mid-season break will precede Phase 2, scheduled for April 20 to May 10, 2026, ensuring seamless preparation for India’s senior and U-20 women’s sides.

Across all eight clubs — including stalwarts such as Gokulam Kerala and East Bengal as well as determined newcomers like Garhwal United and SESA FA — the IWL promises a vibrant mix of experience, youth, and competitive spirit. With several storylines already emerging, including title defence ambitions and debutant dreams, this season is set to be a compelling chapter in Indian women’s football.

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