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Indian Football League 2025-26 Season Kicks Off With High-Stakes Double Header

The rebranded Indian Football League (IFL) begins its 2025-26 season with a double-header featuring Namdhari FC vs Aizawl FC and newly-promoted Chanmari FC vs former champions Gokulam Kerala FC. The league introduces a new two-stage format where the top half competes for the championship and ISL promotion, while the bottom half fights relegation. All points from the initial round-robin stage carry forward, increasing the significance of every match. The opening day promises tactical battles as teams like Aizawl FC aim to reset after a difficult previous season.

Key Points: IFL 2025-26 Season Begins: Fixtures, Format, and Promotion Race

  • New two-stage league format
  • Promotion to ISL for champion
  • Relegation battle for bottom team
  • Double-header opening fixtures
2 min read

Indian Football League 2025-26 kicks off with a double header on opening day

The rebranded Indian Football League kicks off with Namdhari FC vs Aizawl FC and Chanmari FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC. New format details inside.

"Every match from the opening day carries weight. - IFL Release"

New Delhi, February 27

The Indian Football League, the country's second-tier men's professional competition, returns on Friday, marking the beginning of a new chapter in India's football pyramid. Formerly known as the I-League, the rebranded competition kicks off with a double-header.

The opening fixture will see Namdhari FC host Aizawl FC at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib (16:00 IST). Later in the evening, Chanmari FC take on former champions Gokulam Kerala FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl (18:30 IST), as per a release from IFL.

Namdhari FC vs Aizawl FC

Namdhari FC begin their campaign at home after a steady sixth-place finish in the 2024-25 season. Built on structure and balance, the Ludhiana-based side will look to convert last year's consistency into a stronger push toward the top half.

Their opponents, Aizawl FC, arrive determined to reset after a challenging 2024-25 campaign in which defensive vulnerabilities cost them valuable points. The Mizoram side, however, carries experience and a proud history in Indian football, being the 2016-17 I-League champions under current national team Head Coach Khalid Jamil.

The contest promises to be a tactical battle with Namdhari's measured approach against Aizawl's intent to re-establish defensive stability.

Chanmari FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC

Newly promoted Chanmari FC, runners-up in I-League 2 last season, step into the IFL spotlight against one of the most decorated sides in the recent history of the competition.

Standing in their way are Gokulam Kerala FC, former back-to-back I-League champions, and one of the most consistent attacking sides in recent seasons, who finished fourth last year with 45 goals.

An all-new format: The 2025-26 IFL season will unfold in two stages. In Stage 1, the 10 participating clubs will compete in a single-leg home-and-away round-robin format.

In Stage 2, the league will split into two groups: The top half will enter a Championship Round (home-and-away). The bottom half will compete in a centralised Relegation Round.

All points from Stage 1 will carry forward, ensuring that every match from the opening day carries weight. The team finishing top of the Championship Round at the end of Stage 2 will be crowned champions and earn promotion to the 2026-27 Indian Super League, while the bottom team will be relegated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a fan from Mizoram, I'm so excited for the double header in Aizawl! Chanmari FC's debut is a huge moment. But facing Gokulam Kerala is a baptism by fire. Hoping our boys can make us proud. The new format is a good step, but I hope the AIFF provides proper marketing and broadcast quality this time.
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Rohit P
Respectfully, while the new format is interesting, I'm worried about the "single-leg" home-and-away in Stage 1. It reduces the number of matches for fans. Some teams will only play at home once against an opponent. Is this really the best way to build a fanbase and ensure fairness?
S
Sarah B
Living in Punjab, will try to catch the Namdhari FC match. Good to see a team from Ludhiana in the mix. The pyramid system needs strong second-tier clubs from all regions. Hoping for a good season and maybe an ISL promotion spot for a northern team soon! 🤞
V
Vikram M
The focus on promotion to ISL is the key. This gives real stakes to the IFL. For years, the I-League felt disconnected. Now there's a clear path up. Hope it encourages clubs to invest more in youth and infrastructure. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Aizawl FC needs to find their old magic! Khalid Jamil's legacy is strong there. Defensive stability is the mantra. Meanwhile, all eyes on Chanmari. Making your debut against Gokulam's attack is a tough ask. Best of luck to all teams! 🏆

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