The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 is reaching a critical juncture as it heads into the final stages. With the completion of Matchweek 9, only four matchweeks remain to determine this season’s champion. The league format has shifted this year, eliminating playoff rounds. The team at the top of the standings at the conclusion of Matchweek 13 will be crowned ISL champion, which emphasizes the significance of every match going forward.
Title Race Overview
As the league nears its climax, around five to six teams are still in contention for the title. The fight for the championship is intensifying, with every result possessing potential consequences for the final standings.
The Favourites: Mohun Bagan SG
Mohun Bagan SG currently leads the ISL standings with 20 points from nine matches. Their record includes six wins, two draws, and only one loss. This strong performance gives them a healthy gap over the competition.
- Current Points: 20
- Matches Played: 9
- Wins: 6, Draws: 2, Losses: 1
If Mohun Bagan SG continues to secure victories, they could finish the season with 32 points. However, due to a ban affecting their AFC competition eligibility, the team finishing second may claim the continental qualification spot. This adds intrigue to the ongoing title race.
Rivals: East Bengal FC
Despite being mid-table, East Bengal FC cannot be underestimated. They are currently fourth, with 15 points from eight matches played. Their game in hand could be pivotal. If they win all their remaining five matches, they could reach 30 points.
- Current Points: 15
- Matches Played: 8
- Wins: 4, Draws: 3, Losses: 1
This scenario includes a potential victory over Mohun Bagan SG in the upcoming Kolkata Derby, which could significantly influence the standings.
Challengers: Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC sits in second place with 18 points from nine matches. They have achieved five wins, three draws, and one loss. Although they have shown resilience, recent form has seen them slip from the top.
- Current Points: 18
- Matches Played: 9
- Wins: 5, Draws: 3, Losses: 1
If they manage to secure victories in their remaining four matches, they can finish with a maximum of 30 points but will depend on Mohun Bagan SG dropping points.
Other Contenders
FC Goa and Bengaluru FC are also in the race. FC Goa, in third place with 16 points, and Bengaluru FC, at 15 points, both have a slim path towards the title. The maximum they can achieve is 28 and 27 points respectively, making their route to the championship quite challenging.
Teams with Slim Chances
Jamshedpur FC also stands on 15 points, maintaining their slim hope of title contention. However, as several teams currently lie below the cut-off with limited points, including Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters FC, their chances of winning the title are minimal.
Conclusion
The title race in the ISL 2025-26 is heating up as teams prepare for the crucial final matchweeks. With Mohun Bagan SG firmly in the lead and several teams jockeying for position, the outcomes of the remaining matches will be essential in deciding this season’s champion.
