Indian Football League to begin on February 27

NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced the fixtures for the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season.

The season will commence on February 27, 2026, with two matches scheduled on the opening day. Namdhari FC will take on Aizawl FC, while Chanmari FC will face Gokulam Kerala FC on the first day of action, as per a release from AIFF.

Per the clubs’ proposal, the IFL 2025-26 season will feature a two-stage format. Stage 1 will feature the 10 participating clubs competing in a single-leg, home-and-away round-robin format.

All India Football Federation announces the fixtures for the Indian Football League 2025-26 season.

The Indian Football League 2025-26 will begin on February 27. #IFL #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/y6ZQBbOnF4

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 16, 2026

In Stage 2, the teams are divided into two groups. Those that finished in the top half in Stage 1 will advance to a home-and-away championship round, while the bottom half will compete in a centralised relegation round.

All points from the initial stage will carry over to preserve the league’s competitive context. The league toppers at the end of Stage 2 will be crowned the Indian Football League champions and will be promoted to the Indian Super League 2026-27.

The Indian Football League, formerly known as the I-League, is the second tier of the men’s professional football league in India. (ANI)