Dramatic opening week sees late winners and TV blackouts as ISL 2026/27 begins

Raphael Messi Bouli scored two goals to lead Punjab FC to a 2-1 win over Odisha FC in the opening week of the 2026/27 Indian Super League season. Bouli scored in the 40th second of the match and added a winning goal in the final seconds off a pass from teammate Bishu Sharma. The Cameroonian striker previously played for Jamshedpur FC before that club shut down two months ago.

Opening Matches

The season opened with Bengaluru FC drawing 3-2 against SC Delhi in a match featuring an own goal by Bengaluru debutant Menno Koch and a late equalizer header by Koch in the 88th minute following a shot by Borja Martinez and a cross by Soham Varshneya. Meanwhile, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC played a physical match at the Fatorda Stadium with 19 fouls and nine total shots, ending in a 1-1 draw after goals from Irfan Yadwad for Chennaiyin and Christian Chiki Borrego for Goa. Other opening week results included Kerala Blasters beating Inter Kashi 2-0, Churchill Brothers defeating Mumbai City FC 2-1, and NorthEast United edging Mohun Bagan SG 1-0.

Broadcasting Issues

While matches streamed live for free on YouTube and SonyLIV with Sony Pictures Networks India as the official broadcasting partner, television viewers faced disappointment as games did not air on Sony Sports 2 during the first week. The league issued a statement on October 11 stating they were working with Sony Sports Network to bring matches to television soon.

Coach Reactions

Following their 2-1 defeat to Churchill Brothers, Mumbai City FC coach Manolo Marquez criticized his team's pre-season preparation, calling it a joke due to a lack of strong games. Mohun Bagan SG coach Panagiotis Dilmperis also complained about a poor pre-season disrupted by the Durand Cup, the IFA Shield, and the Calcutta Football League, which he said caused fitness issues and minor injuries before their 1-0 loss to NorthEast United.

Context

The Indian Super League serves as the top tier of club football in India, drawing teams from across the country for a multi-month tournament. Pre-season preparations are vital for football managers to build squad fitness and tactical cohesion before facing competitive league fixtures.