At one stage, it looked like the Indian Super League won’t get started. When it did, it has navigated multiple issues, fixture changes and scheduling has been absurd. But now that ISL 2025-26 has navigated these troubled waters, the last day has thrown up a staggering title race – something not seen before. As many as five teams are in contention to lift the title.On the weekend, in the first-ever ISL Kolkata derby that actually mattered, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal both scored late goals in a 1-1 draw.
ISL 2025-26 points table
| Rank | Club | MP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Bengal | 12 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 18 | 23 |
| 2 | Mohun Bagan | 12 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 13 | 23 |
| 3 | Bengaluru | 13 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 23 |
| 4 | Punjab | 12 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 22 |
| 5 | Mumbai City | 12 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 22 |
| 6 | Jamshedpur | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 21 |
East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC are all on 23 points. However, only the two Kolkata clubs can further their tally as Bengaluru FC have played their quota of 13 games in this truncated season. Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC are on 22 points with Jamshedpur FC behind on 21 points.The winner of the ISL title will go on to represent India in the continental competitions.
ISL title scenarios
East Bengal (23 points in 12 games)Goal difference: +18Last match: Inter Kashi (A)East Bengal are in pole position for the title. They could have been in an even better position if they had taken all three points from the Kolkata derby against MBSG. All is not lost still. The Red and Gold Brigade can win their first league title in 22 years if they beat Inter Kashi, provided Mohun Bagan don’t beat SC Delhi by a six-goal margin.Mohun Bagan Super Giant (23 points in 12 games)Goal difference: +13Last match: SC Delhi (H)Mohun Bagan don’t control their fate. They need Inter Kashi to beat East Bengal and then do the job themselves, beating SC Delhi by a six-goal margin – if it even comes to it.Bengaluru FC (23 points in 13 games)Goal difference: +6Even though Bengaluru FC have the same points as East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, they are not in contention for the title. They have played all of their 13 matches and will not be adding to their points tally. However, by virtue of inferior head-to-head against East Bengal, MBSG, Mumbai City FC and Punjab FC – who all can do 23 points or more – they will not be topping the standings.
Punjab FC are one of the five teams in contention for the ISL title on the last day. (Photo: AIFF/ISL)
Punjab FC (22 points in 12 games)Goal difference: +8Last match: Mumbai City FC (H)A win against Mumbai City FC will take Punjab FC to 25 points. And for Punjab to win the title, they would need both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to either lose or draw their final fixtures. A draw will not be enough for Punjab FC to lift the trophy.Mumbai City FC (22 points in 12 games)Goal difference: +6Last match: Punjab FC (A)For Mumbai City FC to win the title, first and foremost they need to beat Punjab FC. Additionally, they need East Bengal and Mohun Bagan not to win their games. A draw won’t be enough for MCFC since East Bengal hold the edge there.Jamshedpur FC (21 points in 12 games)Goal difference: 5Last match: Odisha FC (H)Jamshedpur FC need to beat Odisha FC in their last game and need a multiple of things to go their way. First and foremost, they need Inter Kashi and SC Delhi to do them a favour while also requiring Mumbai City FC and Punjab FC to draw (or lose) their games.
