The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 is all set to launch on February 14, marking another thrilling chapter in India’s top-tier football competition. 14 teams from across the country will battle it out over the course of the season, aiming for supremacy, glory, and a chance to lift the coveted ISL trophy.
Fans can look forward to a season filled with tactical battles, emerging young talents, and international stars showcasing their skills on Indian soil. With fixtures scheduled across major cities, the league promises high-energy football, fan engagement, and electrifying stadium atmospheres.
Teams are preparing meticulously, with transfers, pre-season camps, and strategy sessions shaping up ahead of the kickoff. Clubs like Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, and Odisha FC are expected to be major contenders, while new signings and promising youngsters could change the dynamics of the league.
The ISL continues to grow in stature, nurturing Indian football talent, attracting international attention, and inspiring fans across the country. With the season opener set for February 14, football enthusiasts can expect a fiery start to what promises to be a landmark season.
Stay tuned as the chase for the ISL summit begins!
Jamshedpur FC have announced the return of Owen Coyle as Head Coach ahead of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season, marking a homecoming that has already ignited excitement among fans. The Scottish coach has signed a two-year contract, with trusted assistant Sandy Stewart joining him as part of the coaching setup.
Coyle’s return evokes memories of one of the most successful phases in the club’s history. During his previous stint, he led Jamshedpur FC to the 2021–22 ISL League Winners’ Shield, transforming the team from mid-table contenders into consistent title challengers through disciplined tactics and an attacking mindset.
The appointment follows the departure of Khalid Jamil, who guided Jamshedpur FC to a fifth-place finish last season before moving on to take charge of the India national football team. With the club keen to build on that momentum, Coyle’s familiarity with the squad culture and expectations made him a natural choice.
Confirming the appointment, Mukul Choudhari, CEO of Jamshedpur FC, described the move as a “natural fit,” citing Coyle’s proven track record, understanding of Indian football, and strong connection with the club’s supporters.
Fans have responded enthusiastically, with the club teasing the announcement on social media using the tagline “The Legend Returns”, a nod to Coyle’s lasting legacy in Jamshedpur. With the ISL season kicking off on February 14, expectations are high as the Red Miners aim not just for playoff qualification, but potentially another title push.
As preparations begin under familiar leadership, Jamshedpur FC will hope that Owen Coyle can once again instill belief, consistency, and silverware ambitions into the squad.
August 1, 2025 | New Delhi — The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Khalid Jamil as the head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, a historic move that ends a 13-year gap since an Indian last held the post.
Jamil, 48, becomes the first Indian head coach since Savio Medeira (2011–2012) and was selected by the AIFF Executive Committee from a strong three-man shortlist. The final candidates included former India coach Stephen Constantine and Slovakia’s ex-manager Stefan Tarkovic.
A Proven Track Record
Jamil rose to national prominence after leading Aizawl FC to an I-League title in 2017 — one of the greatest underdog stories in Indian sports. He is currently the head coach of Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), where he has earned praise for his tactical acumen and leadership.
The selection was based on recommendations by the AIFF Technical Committee headed by football legend IM Vijayan, who emphasized the importance of understanding Indian football’s cultural and developmental context.
What’s Next?
Jamil takes over from Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who parted ways with AIFF following India’s disappointing performances in recent international fixtures.
His first assignment as head coach will be the CAFA Nations Cup, to be held from August 29, 2025, across Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — a crucial platform for rebuilding team confidence and performance.
“It’s an honor to be given this responsibility. I believe in our players, our system, and what we can achieve together,” Jamil stated.
Football fans and stakeholders alike see this as a bold and hopeful step toward developing homegrown coaching talent and nurturing a distinct Indian football identity on the global stage.
In a season full of heartbreaks and hard luck, FC Goa needed a redemption arc.
After coming heartbreakingly close in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, finishing second on the table despite matching last season’s Shield-winning points tally, and then exiting in the playoffs in the most gut-wrenching fashion, it felt like the football gods owed them something. And the dream is now fulfilled.
The Kalinga Super Cup, in its shiny new knockout format, was not for the faint-hearted. One bad day and you were sent packing. But under the weight of expectations and with the bitter taste of a near-miss in the ISL still fresh, FC Goa chose not to crumble. They beat Jamshedpur FC in the final to be crowned winners of the Kalinga Super Cup on Saturday, providing a fitting end to a memorable season.
Their campaign kicked off in familiar, comfortable fashion with a 3-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in the Round of 16. It was the kind of no-fuss win with Iker Guarrotxena’s hat-trick proving to be the highlight. Job done, clean sheet in the bag and the Gaurs were up and running.
Then came the quarter-final clash against Punjab FC. And boy, did this one have drama. Trailing for most of the match, the Gaurs looked like they were staring down at another so close, yet so far moment. But Two late goals turned despair into delirium and sent the Gaurs into the semi-finals with a comeback that was about guts and guile.
Awaiting them next were Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Or rather, a youthful version of the Kolkata club, with fresh legs and zero fear. FC Goa had opened the scoring, only to see the Mariners bounce back within minutes. Old wounds threatened to reopen. But FC Goa did what seasoned sides do best: they settled, they adapted and then they struck. The 3-1 win was nothing short of a statement, although having got the better of the Mariners.
The stage for the final was set with Jamshedpur FC in their way. The same Jamshedpur FC who’d done the double over them in the league.
From the first whistle, FC Goa looked like team not playing with pressure but with purpose. Once Borja Herrera opened the scoring, they never looked back. They bossed the midfield, moved the ball with flair and defended with all their heart. It was a sweet victory, one that they deserved after hardly putting a foot wrong.
History made
FC Goa did not only secure the Cup, but they also won their way back into Asia. For the first time since their historic 2020-21 campaign in the AFC Champions League, FC Goa are back on the continental stage, this time in the newly-launched AFC Champions League 2. It may not be the main stage but it’s still Asia and it gives them a chance to compete at the one of the biggest stages for an Indian club.
And as the champagne popped and confetti rained down in Bhubaneswar, FC Goa showed they are done knocking on the door. They’re kicking it down.
