ISL 2025-26 Schedule: Mohun Bagan faces Kerala Blasters In Opening Game

Following months of frustration and uncertainty the Indian Super League is now all set for the opening day. As the top domestic football competition in the country, the start of the action will be a breath of fresh air for fans who had been furious over the delay of the competition.

The league which began in October 2014, powered by FSDL, has provided Indian players with an opportunity to play with and compete against foreign players in arenas across the country. Success in the inaugural season is attributed to the star power of football icons like Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos, Diego Forlan, Alessandro Del Piero, who gave the league legitimacy among fans and critics.

But the scene has changed before the start of the ISL 2025-26 schedule. Some clubs are resorting to cutting costs and releasing some of their foreign players.

The departure of stars like Iker Guarrotxena and Edgar Mendez has opened the door of opportunity for Indian players to step up and make a name for themselves. FC Goa's Brison Fernandes, who scored seven goals and Mumbai City FC Nathan Asher Rodrigues, who kept seven clean sheets and scored three goals, were the breakout players last term. The stage is set again for fresh faces to impress on the 1st match of the ISL 2025-26 schedule.

ISL 2025-26 Matchweek 1: Mohun Bagan face Kerala Blasters

The start of the new season will see the defending champions of both the ISL League Shield and the ISL championship Mohun Bagan, take on Kerala Blasters on February 14. Both teams are looking to start their campaign with a statement win.

Historically, in Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters rivalry the Mariners have dominated their rivals. Mohun Bagan have won eight times, while Kerala only managed one win and one game ending in a draw.

Both sides met each other recently during the quarterfinals of the Super Cup. Goals from Suhail Ahmad Bhat and Sahal Abdul Samad helped Mohun Bagan earn a 1-2 win and progression into the semifinals.

FC Goa welcome Inter Kashi to the Fatorda

The second game on February 14 will see Super Cup winners FC Goa welcome newly promoted and 2024-25 I-League champions Inter Kashi at the Fatorda Stadium. An interesting matchup awaits fans with Spaniards Manolo Marquez and Antonio Lopez Habas facing each other for the fourth time in ISL. Marquez will be hungry to earn his first win in the ISL over his compatriot at the Fatorda in Goa.

Both sides met each other during the Super Cup. It was the Gaurs who walked out 3-0 winners courtesy of goals from Dejan Drazic and a brace from Borja Herrera. The Gaurs will enter the season with renewed confidence following a triumphant Super Cup.

Players like Mohammed Yasir and Brison Fernandes supplied the goals. Inter Kashi, on the other hand, enter the season as the newly promoted side looking to scalp impressive wins against traditional heavyweights like Mohun Bagan and FC Goa.