Indian Football League Kicks Off with Exciting Matches and New Format

The Indian Football League (IFL) is set to begin, marking a new chapter in Indian football. With matches featuring teams like Namdhari FC and Aizawl FC, the league introduces an innovative format that promises excitement. The season will unfold in two stages, ensuring every match counts towards the championship. Fans can look forward to thrilling encounters as teams vie for promotion to the Indian Super League. Don't miss the action as the league kicks off this Friday!

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 11:47 IST

Introduction to the Indian Football League

The Indian Football League (IFL), which serves as the second-tier men's professional football league in India, is set to commence on Friday, ushering in a fresh era in the nation's football hierarchy. Previously known as the I-League, this revamped competition will start with a double-header of matches.

Match Schedule

The opening match features Namdhari FC facing off against Aizawl FC at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib at 16:00 IST. Following this, Chanmari FC will take on the former champions Gokulam Kerala FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl at 18:30 IST, as announced by the IFL.

Namdhari FC vs Aizawl FC

Namdhari FC kicks off their season at home after finishing sixth in the previous 2024-25 season. With a focus on structure and balance, the Ludhiana-based team aims to build on last year's performance for a stronger push into the top half of the table. In contrast, Aizawl FC is eager to bounce back from a tough 2024-25 season marked by defensive issues that cost them crucial points. Despite their struggles, the Mizoram team boasts a rich history in Indian football, having won the I-League in the 2016-17 season under the guidance of current national team Head Coach Khalid Jamil. This match is expected to be a tactical showdown, with Namdhari's strategic play against Aizawl's quest for defensive solidity.

Chanmari FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC

Chanmari FC, newly promoted after finishing as runners-up in I-League 2 last season, will make their IFL debut against Gokulam Kerala FC, a team with a rich legacy in the league. Gokulam Kerala, former back-to-back I-League champions, is known for their potent attacking style, having scored 45 goals last season and finishing fourth.

New League Format

The 2025-26 IFL season will feature a two-stage format. In Stage 1, the ten participating teams will engage in a single-leg home-and-away round-robin format. Stage 2 will see the league divided into two groups: the top half will enter a Championship Round (home-and-away), while the bottom half will compete in a centralized Relegation Round. Points from Stage 1 will carry over, making every match from the start significant. The team that tops the Championship Round at the conclusion of Stage 2 will be declared champions and gain promotion to the 2026-27 Indian Super League, while the last-placed team will face relegation.