ISL 2025-26 Introduces Relegation — Bottom Team Drops to Second Division

The Indian football season returns to centre stage as the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 kicks off on February 14, bringing with it a major structural change that could reshape the domestic game. For the first time in league history, the team finishing last in the standings will face relegation, significantly raising the competitive stakes across the table.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has introduced relegation from the ISL to the newly rebranded Indian Football League—formerly known as the I-League—in a bid to align Indian football with global league systems. Officials believe the move will increase competitiveness, improve accountability among clubs, and create a more merit-based pyramid structure in the country’s football ecosystem.

The season begins with two high-profile fixtures. Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant open their title defence against Kerala Blasters FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. Later in the evening, FC Goa hosts Inter Kashi FC at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

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Despite the excitement around kickoff, the lead-up to the season was marked by uncertainty and administrative hurdles. League organisers and the AIFF worked through scheduling and structural discussions before finalising the roadmap for the new campaign, which now promises higher pressure at both ends of the standings.

For fans, the introduction of relegation is the biggest storyline to watch. Clubs will no longer be insulated at the bottom of the table, making every point crucial throughout the season. Analysts expect tighter matches, increased tactical caution among struggling teams, and greater interest from supporters.

With the new format in place and opening fixtures set, the ISL 2025–26 season begins with renewed intensity and a clear message: performance will now directly determine survival in India’s top-tier football competition.

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