East Bengal and Mohun Bagan hold the first and second spot in the Indian Super League 2025-26 table. | Photo Credit: PTI

The Indian Super League 2025-26 title will be decided on Thursday, May 21, after Mohun Bagan Super Giant and arch-rival East Bengal played out a 1-1 draw at Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday.

The result leaves both Kolkata giants on 23 points, with East Bengal holding the top spot due to a better goal difference. Bengaluru FC also has the same number of points, having played a game more.

How can East Bengal win ISL?

East Bengal can secure its maiden title if it manages to beat Inter Kashi in its final game on May 21, and Mohun Bagan fails to win by a margin of six goals against SC Delhi on the same day.

A draw could still prove enough if Mohun Bagan fails to win and the Mumbai City FC versus Punjab FC fixture also ends level.

If East Bengal fails to win its final match, it will need Mohun Bagan to lose and the fixture between Punjab and Mumbai City to end in a draw.

How can Mohun Bagan win ISL?

Mohun Bagan can defend its title if it beats SC Delhi and East Bengal fails to beat Inter Kashi.

If both Kolkata clubs win, Mohun Bagan would require a 6-0 margin of victory combined with a 1-0 East Bengal win to overturn the goal difference deficit.

A draw could also be enough if East Bengal loses and the Mumbai City FC versus Punjab FC clash ends level.

How can Punjab FC or Mumbai City win ISL?

A win for either side combined with East Bengal and Mohun Bagan dropping points will hand them the title.

How can Jamshedpur FC win ISL?

If East Bengal and Mohun Bagan lose and Punjab and Mumbai City fail to secure wins, a win against Odisha on the final day with hand the Red Miners the trophy.

Should Bagan and East Bengal draw their games, Jamshedpur would need to overcome a six-goal deficit to Bagan and a 12-goal deficit to East Bengal to win the title.

Published on May 17, 2026