ISL 2026 Title Race: Who Will Lift the Trophy?

The Indian Super league is witnessing some of the most dramatic ends to the season as five teams are in contention for the title heading into Thursday’s decisive round of fixtures.

ISL 2026 Title Race : The final day will see Inter Kashi host the front runners of title race East Bengal FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, while their biggest competitor Mohun Bagan FC will face SC Delhi at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Jamshedpur FC also have a shot at the title and they will face Odisha FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur, while Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC square off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in a fixture that could have major implications on the title race.

East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG currently lead the standings with 23 points each from 12 matches, while Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC sit just one point behind on 22. Jamshedpur FC remain in the hunt with 21 points.All five contenders will be in action simultaneously on Thursday, May 21, with every match kicking off at 19:30 IST.

The title race is extremely tough and has cut throat competition not only due to the narrow points gap but also due to the league’s tie break regulations. If teams finish level on points, head-to-head record will be considered first, before goal difference comes into play. Here we look at each team’s claim to the title:

East Bengal FC

East Bengal is entering the final round at the top after drawing Mohun Bagan 1-1 at the legendary Kolkata derby . The red and gold brigade have the best goal difference in the league at +18 which helps them keep them ahead from Mohun Bagan’s +13 goal difference. If they win tonight they will surely be crowned champions if Mohun Bagan does not defeat SC Delhi with a margin that recovers their goal deficit. However, if they draw then they are vulnerable to being overtaken by Mohun Bagan, while also opening the door for Punjab FC or Mumbai City FC, should either side secure victory and finish on 25 points. A defeat means that they can be overtaken by all four rivals.

Read More: East Bengal Vs Inter Kashi LIVE Streaming: When And Where To Watch ISL 2025-26 Clash

Mohun Bagan SG

The mariners still stand a chance after drawing against East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby. They know that a victory against SC Delhi would take them to 26 points and put solid pressure on East Bengal in the parallel fixture. If both the Kolkata teams win then the goal difference will play a crucial factor in deciding the winner. A draw for Mohun Bagan could still keep them alive if East Bengal lose and other results favour them, though it would also leave them exposed to Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC overtaking them.

Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC

Both sides enter the match on 22 points, knowing that only a victory will realistically keep their championship hopes alive. Vector would take them to 25 points but they needed the Kolkata teams to lose to sustain their title dreams. A draw between Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC would eliminate both teams from the title race, as neither side would be able to finish above the current leaders.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur is heading into the title race with 21 points. They have a simple job of winning the match while also expecting all the other four teams to lose. A draw or win would eliminate them from title contention.