Explained: How Kolkata Derby could decide ISL 2025-26 title race?

The 2025-26 Indian Super League season is heading towards a dramatic finish. Usually, by the final week of the ISL season, the points table gives a fairly clear indication of who is likely to lift the title. But this season has been anything but predictable.

With the league set to conclude on May 21, as many as seven teams, from current table toppers East Bengal FC to seventh-placed Mumbai City FC, remain mathematically in contention for the league title.

The ISL follows a single-leg round-robin format this season, where all 14 teams play each other once. Unlike previous editions, there are no playoffs or knockout rounds this year, meaning the team finishing at the top of the table after 91 matches will be crowned champions. And because of that format, every remaining match suddenly feels like a final.

Here’s a look at what each of the seven teams needs to do to win the ISL title:

East Bengal

Points: 22 from 11 matches | Goal Difference: +18

East Bengal FC currently sit at the top of the table and remains the favourite to win the title. But their path is far from easy. Their final two matches include the historic Kolkata Derby against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant on May 17, followed by a clash against Inter Kashi on May 21.

Winning both games would almost certainly secure the title, although Mohun Bagan could still challenge if they manage a significant goal difference swing.

Mohun Bagan

Points: 22 from 11 matches | Goal Difference:+13

Second-placed Mohun Bagan Super Giant are level on points with East Bengal, making the Kolkata Derby potentially the biggest match of the season. Bagan still has matches against East Bengal and SC Delhi remaining.

If they win both matches, the title could head their way. But if they fail to win the derby, they would then depend on Inter Kashi taking points off East Bengal in the final round.

Jamshedpur FC

Points: 21 from 12 matches | Goal Difference: +5

Jamshedpur FC are still alive in the title race, but their hopes depend heavily on results elsewhere. They first need to beat Odisha FC in their final game on May 21.

After that, they would need the Kolkata Derby to end in a draw, while both Inter Kashi and SC Delhi would have to defeat East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, respectively. They also need Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC to drop points.

Bengaluru FC

Points: 20 from 12 matches | Goal Difference: +5

Bengaluru FC face Chennaiyin FC on May 16 in their final match of the season. For Bengaluru, the equation is extremely complicated.

They need a big win against Chennaiyin, a draw in the Kolkata Derby, defeats for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in their final games, and Odisha FC taking points off Jamshedpur.

Even if all that happens, Bengaluru would still need a major goal difference swing to move above East Bengal.

Their chances may be slim, but mathematically, they are still in the race.

FC Goa

Points: 20 from 12 matches | Goal Difference: +5

FC Goa are in a situation very similar to Bengaluru FC. They must beat Kerala Blasters FC on May 18 and hope multiple other results go their way.

But even if everything falls perfectly into place, Goa would still need a massive improvement in goal difference to move ahead of the teams above them.

Punjab FC

Points: 19 from 11 matches | Goal Difference: +7

Punjab FC still have two matches remaining, against Odisha FC on May 16 and Mumbai City FC on May 21. To stay alive, Punjab must win both matches and hope Mohun Bagan fails to win either of their remaining games.

They also need East Bengal to drop points against Inter Kashi. Even then, goal difference could become a deciding factor if multiple teams finish level on points.

Their path may be difficult, but Punjab are still very much part of this unpredictable title race.

Mumbai City FC

Points: 19 from 11 matches | Goal Difference:+2

At seventh place, Mumbai City FC might appear like outsiders, but they are still mathematically alive. Mumbai face Mohammedan SC and Punjab FC in their remaining fixtures and need to win both while significantly improving their goal difference.

They also need East Bengal to drop points and Mohun Bagan to collect no more than three points from their final two matches.

There is even a scenario where Mumbai City, East Bengal, and Mohun Bagan all finish level on 25 points, which would then bring head-to-head records and goal difference into play.

With one week left and seven teams still in contention, the 2025-26 ISL season is heading towards one of the most dramatic finishes.