The 2026-27 season of the Indian Football League (IFL) will kick off on October 30, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Tuesday following a meeting with representatives of all 11 participating clubs.
The meeting reviewed the recently concluded 2025-26 season and assessed the league's overall performance, including its broadcast reach and viewership. According to the AIFF, viewership for the previous campaign recorded a significant surge, rising to four times the level of the 2024-25 season.
The AIFF Council also approved several regulatory changes for the upcoming campaign. Under the new rules, teams will be allowed to field a maximum of three foreign players on the pitch at any given time during a match.
The upcoming season will also see the league expand its geographical footprint, with Nagaland and Odisha added as new venues.
The inclusion of the two new venues is expected to further broaden the league's reach and provide football fans in the northeastern and eastern regions with greater access to top-level domestic football.
With the new regulations and expanded venue network, the 2026-27 season is set to build on the growing popularity and commercial reach witnessed during the previous campaign.
