The Indian Football League (IFL) is India’s second-tier men’s professional football competition, organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Introduced as part of Indian football’s restructuring, the IFL sits directly below the Indian Super League (ISL) in the country’s football pyramid and serves as the main pathway for clubs aiming to reach the top division.

The league replaced the I-League as India’s second-tier competition following the AIFF’s revamped league structure.

What is the format?

The Indian Football League features 11 clubs in the 2026-27 season.

Every team plays each other twice during the league phase, once at home and once away, making it a double round-robin format. Clubs earn three points for a win, one for a draw and none for a defeat.

After all league matches are completed, the team with the highest points at the top of the table is crowned champion.

Is there promotion to the ISL?

Yes. The champions of the Indian Football League earn promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL), provided they meet the AIFF’s licensing and club criteria. This makes the IFL the direct stepping stone to India’s top-flight competition.

Is there relegation?

The AIFF has introduced promotion and relegation as part of its long-term football roadmap. Clubs finishing at the bottom of the table are liable for relegation to the third tier, subject to the competition regulations in force for the season.

Who will play in the 2026-27 season?

The league is expected to feature 11 clubs: Aizawl FC, FC Bengaluru United, Chanmari FC, Delhi FC, Dempo SC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Rajasthan United FC, Real Kashmir FC, Shillong Lajong FC and Sreenidi Deccan FC.

What are the new rules for 2026-27?

The AIFF has introduced several important changes ahead of the new season.

The biggest change is the foreign player rule, with clubs allowed to field a maximum of three foreign players in the starting XI. The move is intended to provide more playing opportunities for Indian footballers.

The AIFF has also strengthened its focus on youth development. Every IFL club must achieve Two-Star AIFF Academy Accreditation before the 2027-28 season, while all clubs have committed to upgrading to Three-Star Accreditation by 2030.

When does the season start?

The 2026-27 Indian Football League season begins on October 16, 2026. The AIFF confirmed the date after the IFL Governing Council meeting, giving clubs enough time to prepare for pre-season, player registrations and squad building.

Indian Football League set to begin on October 16.
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With promotion to the ISL at stake and new regulations aimed at improving domestic talent, the Indian Football League has become one of the most important competitions in India’s football ecosystem, offering ambitious clubs a clear route to the country’s top division.