Pro Wrestling League 2026: Which teams are best placed to qualify for the knockouts?
(Courtesy :Â Pro Wrestling League)
The semi-final stage of the PWL will be held on January 30 and 31.
The league stage of the Pro Wrestling League 2026 is approaching its decisive phase, with just three league fixtures left before the semi-finals begin. Three teams have already secured qualification for the knockouts, one team has been eliminated, and two teams remain locked in a direct race for the final semi-final spot.
At the top of the standings, Maharashtra Kesari, Haryana Thunders, and Punjab Royals have all booked their places in the semi-finals, each sitting on six points. While qualification is confirmed for all three, the battle for final league positions remains important, as the semi-final matchups will be determined based on the final rankings.
The fourth and final playoff spot will be decided between the UP Dominators and the Delhi Dangal Warriors over the remaining league matches.
The last round of league-stage fixtures will be spread across three days. On January 27, Delhi Dangal Warriors will face the Tigers of Mumbai Dangals, who are already eliminated. January 28 will see the UP Dominators take on the Haryana Thunders in a crucial clash.
The league phase will conclude on January 29 with Punjab Royals facing Delhi Dangal Warriors. The semi-finals are scheduled for January 30 and January 31, followed by the final on February 1, completing what promises to be a tightly contested closing stretch of the tournament.
Haryana Thunders (qualified for semi-finals)
Haryana Thunders are currently top with six points from four matches, having registered three wins and one loss. They have already booked their place in the semi-finals and remain firmly in the race for a top-two finish.
Haryana still have one crucial league fixture remaining against UP Dominators on January 28. A win would confirm a top-of-the-table finish. With 23 bouts won so far, Haryana are level with Maharashtra in that department, which means the overall bout margin could become decisive in determining final rankings if the Thunders lose their final group stage encounter.
Even if Haryana were to lose their final match, they would remain qualified for the semi-finals, but such a result could see them slip down the table and face a tougher opponent in the knockout phase
As things stand, Haryana Thunders still have everything to play for in terms of league position, making their clash with UP Dominators one of the most significant fixtures of the final round.
Also Read: Pro Wrestling League 2026: Full schedule, fixtures, results, squads, live streaming details
Maharashtra Kesari (qualified for semi-finals)
Maharashtra Kesari currently sit at second place with six points, having recorded three wins and two losses from five matches—same as the Thunders but with a match more. They have also accumulated the joint-highest number of bouts won in the league so far, with 23 bout wins.
Maharashtra have already secured qualification for the semi-finals and are now focused on locking in a top-two finish, which would guarantee a favourable semi-final pairing. Their final league position will depend on the results of Haryana Thunders, Punjab Royals, and UP Dominators in their remaining matches.
If both those teams drop points, Maharashtra could finish as the league leaders and earn the right to face the fourth-placed team in Semi-final 1.
Even if Maharashtra were to slip to second or third in the final standings, their qualification would not be under threat.
Punjab Royals (qualified for semi-finals)
Punjab Royals are currently third in the standings with six points from four matches, having recorded three wins and one loss, along with 18 bouts won. They have also mathematically secured qualification for the semi-finals, but unlike Maharashtra and Haryana, their final position is far from settled.
Punjab still have one league match left, against Delhi Dangal Warriors on January 29. A win in that fixture would keep them firmly in the top three and could even propel them into the top two, depending on the results of Haryana Thunders and the tie-breaker metrics.
However, a loss could leave them vulnerable to being overtaken by one of the chasing teams on a bout difference, which could significantly affect their semi-final matchup.
UP Dominators
UP Dominators are currently placed fourth with four points from four matches and remain very much in the hunt for the final semi-final berth. With two wins and two losses so far, they are in a do-or-die situation heading into their last league fixture against Haryana Thunders.
A win in that match would take the UP Dominators to six points, moving them one step further to qualification for the semi-finals. In that scenario, they would move level on points with Maharashtra, Haryana, and Punjab.
A loss, however, would leave the UP Dominators stuck on four points and completely dependent on other results. If Delhi Dangal Warriors were to win both their remaining matches, UP could be overtaken and pushed out of the top four.
Even if Delhi wins only one of their remaining games, UP’s qualification could still come down to bout margins.
Delhi Dangal Warriors
Delhi Dangal Warriors are currently fifth in the standings with two points from three matches and remain the only team capable of challenging UP Dominators for the final semi-final spot. With one win and two losses so far, Delhi face a steep uphill battle but are not yet mathematically eliminated.
Delhi have two league matches remaining, against the Tigers of Mumbai Dangals on January 27 and the Punjab Royals on January 29. To have any realistic chance of qualifying, Delhi must win both matches. That would take them to six points.
Even if Delhi manages to win both matches, their qualification will still depend on UP Dominators losing their final match against Haryana Thunders.
If UP Dominators lose their final match, Delhi Dangal Warriors can also afford to lose a match, but will have to compensate with a higher margin victory to overtake the Dominators in terms of bouts won.
Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals (Eliminated)
Tigers of Mumbai Dangals are currently at the bottom of the table with zero points from four matches and have already been eliminated from semi-final contention. With four losses and just 11 bouts won so far, they are mathematically incapable of breaking into the top four.
While they no longer have anything at stake in terms of qualification, Tigers of Mumbai Dangals still have a major role to play in influencing the final standings. Their match against Delhi Dangal Warriors on January 27 could prove decisive in the playoff race.
Tigers will also be looking to end their campaign on a positive note and restore pride after a difficult league stage.
When will semi-finals of Pro Wrestling League 2026 take place?
The semi-finals will be held on January 30 and 31.
Which teams have already qualified for the semi-finals of Pro Wrestling League 2026?
Haryana Thunders, Maharashtra Kesari and Punjab Royals have already booked their places in the final four stage.
Which teams are still in contention to qualify for the knockout stage of Pro Wrestling League 2026?
UP Dominators and Delhi Dangal Warriors are competing for the one remaining semi-final spot.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram
Farzan is a journalist at Khel Now covering Indian Olympic sports and kabaddi. With five years of experience working with major sports organizations like Chennaiyin FC, Dabang Delhi K.C., Rajasthan Royals, and Yuva Kabaddi Series, he brings diverse expertise. Farzan has covered two Olympics, one Commonwealth Games, and one Asian Games, making his knowledge of Indian sports broad and versatile.