Indian Super League 2025-26 kicked off finally with back-to-back double headers during the last weekend. The first matchweek served up clinical wins, gritty draws, and one postponement across seven scheduled clashes, with Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC emerging as early frontrunners after dominant displays.
All Results – Matchweek 1 #ISL12 pic.twitter.com/W7Fz1ujmCK
— FootballNet.in (@footballnetind) February 19, 2026
Mohun Bagan SG 2-0 Kerala Blasters FC
Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant launched their title defense with a commanding 2-0 victory over Kerala Blasters at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, showcasing superiority across midfield and attack. Jamie MacLaren broke the deadlock in the 36th minute from Dimitri Petratos’ precise cross, before Tom Aldred’s towering header off Anirudh Thapa’s corner sealed it in stoppage time. The Blasters, despite flashes from Kévin Yoke, must sharpen their finishing and learn quickly from this humbling opener, while Bagan’s depth and Sergio Lobera’s tactics mark them as firm contenders.
FC Goa 1-1 Inter Kashi
Promoted Inter Kashi nearly pulled off a stunning upset against double Super Cup champions FC Goa, grabbing a deserved lead through K. Prasanth Karuthadathkuni’s fine early strike before a reckless late foul by foreign goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés on Muhammed Nemil handed Goa a penalty. Dejan Dražić converted coolly to rescue a point for the Gaurs at Fatorda, but ten-man Kashi’s resilience under Antonio López Habas earned a valuable draw. This gritty debut signals the newcomers’ potential to trouble bigger sides if they cut out needless errors.
Jamshedpur FC 1-0 Mohammedan SC
Jamshedpur FC grinded out a hard-fought 1-0 win over all-Indian Mohammedan SC, leaning on an early goal from Madih Talal to pocket all three points despite a lackluster overall showing. Owen Coyle’s side controlled spells but lacked flair, relying on defensive solidity to hold off the Black-and-White Brigade’s spirited resistance under Mehrajuddin Wadoo. While the result boosts confidence, Jamshedpur must elevate their performance significantly against stiffer opposition to climb the table.
Bengaluru FC 2-0 SC Delhi
Bengaluru FC marked a perfect start with a dominant 2-0 triumph over SC Delhi (formerly Hyderabad FC) as they made their ISL debut on Sunday night. Injury time goals from Sivasakthi and evergreen Sunil Chhetri in each of the halves, highlighted their clinical edge at the Kanteerava. The Blues overwhelmed with midfield control and sharp counters, while the visitors stayed disciplined in phases, carving out a couple of close chances they failed to convert. Delhi need sharper finishing at this level, but Bengaluru’s fluency positions Renedy Singh’s men as early pace-setters.
East Bengal FC 3-0 NorthEast United FC
East Bengal FC refused to be outdone by their arch rivals Mohun Bagan, dismantling NorthEast United 3-0 in a masterclass at Salt Lake Stadium fueled by some electric pace and ruthless second-half finishing. The Highlanders appeared depleted without key foreign talents, including Alaaeddine Ajaraie, struggling to match Oscar Bruzon’s high-intensity press and crumbling defensively. If East Bengal sustain this ferocious momentum, they could genuinely challenge for top honors in a wide-open season.
Mumbai City FC 1-0 Chennaiyin FC
Mumbai City FC stretched their unbeaten streak against Chennaiyin FC to 15 matches, snatching a narrow 1-0 victory at the Mumbai Football Arena thanks to an unlucky own goal by Pritam Kotal that gifted Petr Kratky’s Islanders all three points. Chennaiyin, under Clifford Miranda, pressed hard and created chances but continued their historical struggles versus one of the contenders. The Marina Machans can rue their luck, yet Mumbai’s grit keeps them in the hunt despite not firing on all cylinders.
Odisha FC vs Punjab FC – Postponed
Odisha FC finally began their pre-season, and will be in action in Matchweek 2. Punjab FC who have been training for a while would feel they missed out on some interesting first week action.
