Mumbai: The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season will kick off with a thrilling encounter between defending league champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant and last season’s Cup winners Mumbai City FC. The match is set for September 13 at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown.
In addition to the opening match, the ISL released its schedule for the first 84 matches, covering fixtures through the end of December. The action-packed opening weekend will feature Chennaiyin FC traveling to Odisha FC, while Bengaluru FC will host East Bengal FC on Saturday, September 14, in a double-header at 5 pm and 7:30 pm IST, respectively. Kerala Blasters FC will take on Punjab FC on Sunday, September 15, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
Hyderabad FC’s first match is scheduled for September 19 in an away fixture against Bengaluru FC, but their participation is contingent on meeting the AIFF Club Licensing requirements.
This season introduces Mohammedan Sporting Club to the ISL lineup, increasing the number of competing teams to 13. Mohammedan earned their promotion after finishing at the top of the I-League and will begin their ISL journey against NorthEast United FC at their home ground, the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, on September 16.
With the addition of Mohammedan Sporting, Kolkata will now have three of its storied football clubs—Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, and Mohammedan Sporting—competing in the ISL. Fans are in for a treat with six Kolkata derbies scheduled throughout the season. The first two showdowns are slated for October: Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan on October 5, and East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan on October 19.