Punjab FC Unveils 27-Member Squad for ISL 2026-27 Season

Punjab FC has officially announced its 27-member squad for the upcoming ISL 2026-27 season, blending experienced players with ten promising academy graduates. The team is set to kick off its campaign against Odisha FC on October 14. Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis expresses confidence in the squad's balance and readiness, emphasizing the importance of both seasoned players and young talents. With a strong focus on player development, Punjab FC aims to make a significant impact this season. Read on to discover the full squad details and insights from the coaching staff.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 10, 2026, 00:10 IST

Punjab FC Announces Squad for Upcoming ISL Season

Chandigarh, India - Punjab FC has revealed a 27-member roster for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, showcasing a blend of seasoned players and ten academy graduates, highlighting the club's dedication to nurturing local talent.

The Shers will kick off their ISL journey with a home match against Odisha FC on Wednesday, October 14, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. With a strong domestic foundation and strategic reinforcements, Punjab FC aims to make a significant impact in their fourth ISL season while remaining committed to player development.

Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis, in his inaugural season with the team, has assembled a squad that combines continuity with new talent across all positions. Fourteen players from the previous season's ISL lineup have been retained, including national team members Bijoy Varghese, Ricky Shabong, Muhammed Uvais, Nikhil Prabhu, and Muhammad Suhail F, alongside Arshdeep Singh, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, and Leon Augustine.

The squad features foreign players Patrick Bahanack, Mickaël Malsa, Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, and Raphaël Messi Bouli, along with new domestic signings Mohammad Inam and Gurkirat Singh.

In total, ten academy graduates have made the squad, three more than last season, thanks to their impressive performances in age-group leagues and the recent IFA Shield, where the Shers reached the semifinals. Goalkeeper Ayush Deshwal, midfielder Manglenthang Kipgen, and forwards Muhammad Suhail F and Vishal Yadav, who were part of last season's team, are joined by defenders Ngarin Shaiza, Sohel Khan, and Karish Soram, midfielders Bishu Sharma and Laishram Rishikanta Meitei, and forward Konsam Sanathoi Singh.

Before the season begins, Coach Dermitzakis expressed confidence in his squad's readiness, stating, “This is a squad built with a clear idea of how we want to play, and I am very happy with the balance we have. We have experience in every department, players who know this club and the league, and ten young players from our academy who have earned their place through their work every single day. The ISL has a demanding schedule, and every player in this group will have a role to play. The players have prepared well, the hunger in the dressing room is there, and we are ready to begin.”

Supporting the Head Coach are Assistant Coach Georgios Angelidis and Indian Assistant Coach Sankarlal Chakraborty, along with Christos Vorgiatzidis as the Strength and Conditioning Coach and Vinay Singh as the Goalkeeping Coach.

All three goalkeepers from last season have been retained, with the experienced Arshdeep Singh leading the group alongside youngsters Muheet Shabir and Ayush Deshwal.

Defensively, Bijoy Varghese, Muhammed Uvais, Suresh Meitei, and Khaiminthang Lhungdim will anchor the lineup, complemented by new signing Patrick Bahanack and academy graduates Ngarin Shaiza, Sohel Khan, and Karish Soram, creating a robust defensive unit.

In midfield, Punjab FC boasts a dynamic mix of creativity and energy. Mickaël Malsa and Manglenthang Kipgen are expected to be key in driving attacking plays, supported by Nikhil Prabhu, Ricky Shabong, and Mohammad Inam for stability. Bishu Sharma and Rishikanta Meitei, who impressed during the IFA Shield, will inject youthful vigor into the squad.

The forward line promises both variety and attacking potential. Raphaël Messi Bouli has made a strong start with three goals and three assists in the IFA Shield, while fellow foreign signings Diego Raposo and Alfred Planas Moya have also begun the season positively. Muhammad Suhail, one of the country's most promising talents, will add pace on the wings, while versatile Leon Augustine can adapt to various situations. Local talent Gurkirat Singh, along with Under-20 Indian international Vishal Yadav and Sanathoi Singh, will provide valuable options for the team.

Punjab FC Squad for Indian Super League 2026-27

Goalkeepers: Arshdeep Singh, Muheet Shabir, Ayush Deshwal

Defenders: Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ngarin Shaiza, Jephthe Patrick Gerard Bahanack, Mohammed Sohel Khan, Bijoy Varghese, Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei, Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal, Karish Soram

Midfielders: Naravi Nikhil Jayantha Prabhu, Mickaël Ramon Vincent Malsa, Ricky John Shabong, Bishu Sharma, Laishram Rishikanta Meitei, Manglenthang Kipgen, Mohammad Inam

Forwards: Raphaël Éric Messi Bouli, Diego Henrique Oliveira Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, Leon Augustine, Muhammad Suhail F, Bikash Singh Sagolsem, Konsam Sanathoi Singh, Vishal Yadav, Gurkirat Singh.