ISL scenarios: Five contenders – who will win the title on the final day of the match?

East Bengal are in pole position to win the ISL 2025-26 title. (Photo: AIFF/ISL) At one stage it looked like the Indian Super League would not start. When it did, it solved a lot of problems, the accessory changes and scheduling were absurd. But now that ISL 2025-26 has navigated these troubled waters, the final day has produced a stunning title fight – something never seen before. Up to five teams compete for the title.At the weekend, in the first ever ISL derby in Kolkata that really mattered, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal both scored late goals for a 1-1 draw.

Table ISL 2025-26 points

RankClubMPWDLGDPts1East Bengal1265118232Mohun Bagan1265113233Bengaluru136526234Punjab126428225Mumbai City126426226Jamshedpur12633521East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC are on 23 points. However, only two Kolkata clubs can add to their tally as Bengaluru FC have played their quota of 13 matches in this shortened season. Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC are on 22 points with Jamshedpur FC behind them with 21 points.The winner of the ISL title will go on to represent India in continental competitions.

ISL Title Scenarios

East Bengal (23 points in 12 games)Goal difference: +18Last match: Inter Kashi (A)East Bengal are in pole position for the title. They could have been in an even better position if they had taken all three points from the Kolkata derby against MBSG. All is not lost yet. The Red and Gold Brigade can win their first league title in 22 years if they beat Inter Kashi, provided Mohun Bagan do not beat SC Delhi by six goals.Mohun Bagan Super Giant (23 points in 12 games)Goal difference: +13Last Match: SC Delhi (H)Mohun Bagan are not in control of their destiny. They need Inter Kashi to beat East Bengal and then do it themselves and beat SC Delhi by six wickets – if it even comes to that.Bengaluru FC (23 points in 13 games)Goal difference: +6Although Bengaluru FC have the same number of points as East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, they are not in contention for the title. They have played all 13 of their games and will not add points. However, a worse head-to-head against East Bengal, MBSG, Mumbai City FC and Punjab FC – all of whom can score 23 points or more – will not top the table.

Punjab FC is one of the five teams fighting for the ISL title on the final day. (Photo: AIFF/ISL)

Punjab FC (22 points in 12 games)Goal difference: +8Last Match: Mumbai City FC (H)A win against Mumbai City FC will take Punjab FC to 25 points. And for Punjab to win the title, they would need both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to lose or draw their last matches. A draw will not be enough for FC Punjab to lift the trophy.Mumbai City FC (22 points in 12 games)Goal difference: +6Last match: Punjab FC (A)Mumbai City FC must first beat Punjab FC to win the title. Moreover, they need East Bengal and Mohun Bagan not to win their matches. A draw will not be enough for MCFC as East Bengal hold the lead there.Jamshedpur FC (21 points in 12 games)Goal difference: 5Last Match: Odisha FC (H)Needing to beat Odisha FC in their last game, Jamshedpur FC need a few things to go their way. First and foremost, they need Inter Kashi and SC Delhi to do them a favor, while they also require Mumbai City FC and Punjab FC to draw (or lose) their matches.