IWL 2025-26 Round 2 preview: Sethu FC face East Bengal test, Garhwal United FC aim for a second win

The IWL Round 2 fixtures have some spicy head-to-head for the fans.

The second round of the 2025-26 season of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) promises to deliver some exciting fixtures as the action kicks off on Wednesday. Eight clubs began their bid for top honours with fixtures at the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata and Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Round 1.

The season’s first set of scheduled contests showed out an exciting blend of established teams and ambitious challengers. As teams get ready to record three important points in the upcoming rounds, let us take a look at the Round 2 fixtures:

Round 2 Fixtures of IWL 2025-26:

• Gokulam Kerala FC vs Sribhumi FC
• NITA FA vs SESA FA
• Kickstart Karnataka FC vs Garhwal United FC
• Sethu FC vs East Bengal FC

Gokulam Kerala FC vs Sribhumi FC

The Malabarians will be looking for their first win of their season when they face Sribhumi FC in Round 2 on Wednesday. In their opening game, Gokulam only managed to get one point against NITA FA increasing the pressure to get a win.

Sribhumi FC will be playing their first game of the campaign following the postponement of their Round 1 game against East Bengal FC. The visitors will be keen to begin their campaign with a statement win over the Malabarians, further dealing damage to their already slow start.

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NITA FA vs SESA FA

In another early fixture, NITA FA will face SESA FA at Kalyani Stadium. SESA, who lost 3-1 in their Round 1 game against newly promoted Garhwal United FC, will be keen to get three points against NITA FA.

NITA FA shared points in their Round 1 fixture against Gokulam Kerala FC and will be looking to build on their positive start. While the game is going to be a good contest between two sides looking for a win, the fans could be in for another close game.

Kickstart Karnataka FC vs Garhwal United FC

The third game of the Round will see Kickstart Karnataka FC take on Garhwal United FC in Kolkata, with the newly promoted sides eager to record three more points. Garhwal, a club who recently recorded an impressive 3-1 win over SESA FA, will be looking to build on their amazing start.

Kickstart Karnataka FC, known for its consistency and resilience, aims to build momentum following their 2-1 loss against Sethu FC in Round 1. A game between two sides with contrasting starts sets the stage for a fixture which could go either way.

Sethu FC vs East Bengal FC

A 2-1 winning start for Sethu FC in Round 1 against Kickstart Karnataka FC is followed by another tough fixture as reigning and defending champions East Bengal FC visit the Kalyani Stadium in Round 2. The reigning IWL champions had their Round 1 fixture postponed but will be keen to start their campaign 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. Following their winning start to the season, the club will be looking to continue their winning run on Wednesday.

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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