Rajasthan United and Sreenidi Deccan to play in IFL season opener
The Indian Football League 2026-27 opening weekend concludes on Sunday with a double-header in Jaipur and Margao.
The opening weekend of the Indian Football League 2026-27 season will conclude on Sunday, November 1, with two matches, according to The Tribune.
Rajasthan United FC will host Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur at 16:00 IST. Later, five-time national champions Dempo Sports Club will face IFL debutants FC Bengaluru United at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, at 18:30 IST.
Sreenidi Deccan FC finished third in the 2025-26 standings with 26 points from 14 matches. Rajasthan United FC finished fourth last season with 18 points from 14 matches.
Rajasthan United FC is now led by Italian head coach Giuseppe Cristaldi. The squad has added Spanish centre-back Adri Castellano, defender Harmanjot Khabra, Brazilian forward Diego Maurício, Spanish midfielder Pedro Astray, and wingers Pangambam Naoba Meitei and Thomyo Shimray.
Sreenidi Deccan FC is under the charge of Spanish head coach Antonio Rueda. The club has added Indian internationals Pritam Kotal, Pronay Halder, Nishu Kumar, and Jerry Mawihmingthanga, while retaining goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh.
FC Bengaluru United enters the league for the first time after finishing as runners-up in the 2025-26 I-League 2 season. The team is coached by former India international Nallappan Mohanraj and captained by Lalramdinsanga Ralte.