ISL 2025-26 title race: How can East Bengal and Mohun Bagan win the Indian Super League championship?

The Indian Super League (ISL 2025-26) title race is going down to the wire with as many as seven teams still mathematically involved in the picture.

East Bengal squandered a big opportunity to extend their lead at the top to four points ahead of second-placed Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who face Inter Kashi on Tuesday.

As the league season draws to a tantalizing end, Sportstar looks at the teams involved in the ISL title race and their scenarios.

Which teams can still win the title?

East Bengal (Pos: 1, points: 22)

With two matches to go, East Bengal’s fate is still in their own hands. Even if Mohun Bagan wins the match in a row, East Bengal can claim its first domestic league title in 22 years if they win the last two matches of the season.

Remaining matches: Mohun Bagan (A), Inter Kashi (A)

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Pos: 2, Points: 21)

Mohun Bagans’ bid to retain their ISL title remains on track despite mid-season hiccups. Two wins from the remaining three matches will be enough for the Mariners to seal the championship.

Remaining matches: Inter Kashi (H), East Bengal (H), Sporting Club Delhi (H)

Jamshedpur FC (Pos: 3, Points: 21)

Jamshedpur has an outside chance, but its fate is not in its hands. Jamshedpur can only get a maximum of 24 points, so it needs the results of the teams above them – East Bengal and Mohun Bagan – and below them – Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC – to be in its favor.

Remaining matches: Odisha FC (H)

Bengaluru FC (Pos: 4, Points: 20)

Bengaluru only have an outside chance and there is only one match left in the season. The Blues need to win their final game and hope all other title challengers falter spectacularly.

Remaining matches: Chennaiyin FC (A)

FC Goa (Pos: 5, Points: 20)

FC Goa’s scenario is the same as that of Bengaluru FC.

Remaining matches: Kerala Blasters (A)

Punjab FC (Pos: 6, Points: 19)

Punjab FC can reach a maximum of 25 points with two games to go. If it manages to win the two matches, it can win the title, if East Bengal and Mohun Bagan fail to win their remaining matches.

Remaining matches: Odisha FC (A), Mumbai City FC (H)

Mumbai City FC (Pos: 7, points: 19)

Mumbai City can also reach a maximum of 25 points, but will have to hope that East Bengal and Mohun Bagan do not win their remaining matches.

Remaining matches: Mohammedan (A), Punjab FC (A)

Published on May 11, 2026