IWL 2025-26 Round 5 preview: East Bengal FC visit NITA FA, Gokulam Kerala FC welcome Garhwal United FC

A huge top-of-the-table clash awaits fans in Round 5.

The fifth round of the 2025-26 season of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) is expected to deliver some exciting footballing action with matches kicking off on Friday. 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 four rounds of scheduled contests have seen a narrowing of margins in the IWL league standings. As teams get ready to record three important points in the upcoming rounds, let us take a look at the Round 5 fixtures:

Round 5 Fixtures of IWL 2025-26:

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

Gokulam Kerala FC vs Garhwal United FC

Gokulam Kerala FC will be looking to record back-to-back wins when they face Garhwal United FC on Friday. The Malabarians will be counting their lucky stars after Asem Roja Devi scored the winning goal in the 56th minute for her side against Kickstart Karnataka FC.

Fifth placed Garhwal United FC will be looking to stop their losing streak against Gokulam Kerala FC following their 0-1 loss to NITA FA. A win for the visitors will be huge as they look to regain their early season winning form once again in Round 5.

ALSO READ: IWL 2025-26: Updated Points Table after Round 4 fixtures

Kickstart Karnataka FC vs Sribhumi FC

The home side will be aiming for their first win of the season to offset their poor form in front of goal this season, having only scored one goal in four rounds, while conceding nine goals this season. A win for Kickstart Karnataka FC will be a huge morale boost for a side lacking in confidence to be competitive in games this season.

Sribhumi FC will be playing their fourth game of the campaign on Friday as they search for their third win of the campaign. The visitors are flying high this season and are coming fresh off a 2-4 loss against Sethu FC in Round 4.

NITA FA vs East Bengal FC

NITA FA are coming off a close 0-1 away win over Garhwal United FC while reigning champions East Bengal FC are coming off a 9-0 win over SESA FA. The current league leaders will be looking to record a statement win over the female Torchbearers and showcase their determination to fight for the IWL title.

It will be a fascinating encounter between two sides high up in the IWL standings and looking to put on a show for its fans.

SESA FA vs Sethu FC

SESA, who lost 9-0 in their Round 4 game against East Bengal FC, will be looking to record their first point when they welcome Sethu FC on Friday. A win or a positive result for the home side will allow them to put behind the disappointment of results from earlier rounds.

The visitors will be looking to build on their 2-4 win over Sribhumi FC in the previous round. A clash between two sides who have started their campaign on different levels, present an intriguing encounter for IWL fans.

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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