The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released its tentative calendar for the 2026-27 season, outlining a packed schedule across domestic football competitions. The proposed calendar, which is subject to approval by the federation’s executive committee, signals a return to a full-length Indian Super League (ISL) campaign after a shortened season this year.
According to the schedule, the ISL, India’s premier football competition, is set to run from September 1, 2026, to April 11, 2027. The extended seven-month format marks a return to a more traditional season structure following administrative challenges that led to a truncated campaign in the previous edition.
The Federation Cup is expected to follow the conclusion of the ISL, with matches scheduled between April 20 and May 10. The tournament will provide clubs with another major domestic competition at the end of the football calendar.
The AIFF’s proposed schedule also outlines dates for other key competitions across the country. The Indian Football League (IFL), which serves as the second tier of men’s football, is planned from October 9 to March 14. Meanwhile, the Indian Women’s League (IWL) is scheduled to begin on September 3 and conclude on January 24.
Further down the pyramid, the I-League 2 competition is set to take place between February 1 and April 11, while the men’s third-division league is scheduled from August 15 to November 7.
One of India’s oldest football tournaments, the Durand Cup, is slated to be held from July 11 to August 20, serving as an important curtain-raiser to the domestic season. The Indian Women’s League 2 is expected to run from July 9 to August 22, providing additional competitive opportunities for women’s clubs across the country.
At the state and national representative level, the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy is scheduled from November 19 through January 17.
The upcoming season follows a memorable ISL campaign in which East Bengal FC secured their maiden league title. The Kolkata club finished ahead of fierce rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant, with the championship race going down to the final day of the season. The 2025-26 ISL was played in a single-leg round-robin format involving 14 teams, resulting in 91 matches and 13 games per club.
Beyond senior competitions, the tentative calendar also allocates dates for age-group national championships, youth leagues, futsal tournaments and beach football events, highlighting the federation’s efforts to maintain a comprehensive football ecosystem throughout the year.
If approved, the calendar will provide clubs, players and organisers with a clearer roadmap for what promises to be a busy and competitive 2026-27 football season in India.
