# Indian football league season updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indian-football-league-season-updates
> Updated: 2026-10-21T17:04:01.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released details regarding upcoming domestic football seasons. 

The Indian Women’s League (IWL) is scheduled to commence its 2026-27 season on November 13, featuring eight clubs across Kolkata, Jamshedpur, and Bengaluru. Defending champions East Bengal FC will compete alongside five returning teams and two newly promoted clubs, HOPS FC and Juba Sangha FC.

Additionally, the AIFF announced the format for the 2026-27 I-League 3 season, the fourth tier of the men’s league system. The competition will involve 19 clubs divided into four groups playing in Imphal, Rudrapur, Shillong, and Mapusa. The tournament begins in late October 2026, with the top two teams from a six-team play-off earning promotion to the 2027-28 I-League 2 season.

## Claims

- The 2026-27 I-League 3 season begins on October 22, 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Nineteen clubs will participate in the season. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Clubs will compete in a single round-robin format within their groups. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Four group winners and two best second-placed teams qualify for a six-team play-off. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The top two teams in the play-offs are promoted to the 2027-28 I-League 2. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Group stage matches will be held at four venues: Imphal, Rudrapur, Shillong, and Mapusa. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Group stage fixtures will conclude on November 9, 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: AIFF announces I-League 3 2026-27 season details

The AIFF has announced the 2026-27 I-League 3 season, featuring 19 clubs across four groups in a round-robin format starting October 22, 2026.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aiff-announces-i-league-3-2026-27-season-details

### 2026-10-19: Indian Women’s League 2026-27 season to begin November 13

The 2026-27 Indian Women’s League season is set to begin on November 13, featuring eight clubs competing in Kolkata, Jamshedpur, and Bengaluru.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indian-womens-league-2026-27-season-to-begin-november-13

---
Cite as: Indian football league season updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indian-football-league-season-updates