IFL 2026-27: Rajasthan United host Sreenidi Deccan; Dempo welcome debutants Bengaluru United in IFL Sunday

Rajasthan United FC, under a new manager, are hoping to build on last season’s performances with new additions to the squad | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Another double header beckons for the Indian Football League on Sunday, in the 2026/27 season’s opening weekend. Rajasthan United FC take on Sreenidi Deccan FC in a clash between last season’s top four, while Dempo Sports Club take on debutants FC Bengaluru for the first time ever in the IFL.

At the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur, a clash between two teams from the top four last season, as Rajasthan United and Sreenidi Deccan look to build on last season’s performances. The Deccans look to continue their form against Rajasthan, with two wins out of two last season.

With a new manager, Italian Giuseppe Cristaldi, at the helm for the Desert Warriors, the team has been rebuilt with experienced players. This includes players like Spanish centre-back Adri Castellano and defender Harmanjot Khabra, while adding the Brazilian forward Diego Mauricio to the attack.

“The preparation has gone well. The team is focused and united, which in football is sometimes even more important than technical and tactical aspects. We are starting at home, and we want to turn our positive energy into points on the pitch,” said Cristaldi.

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“I am grateful for the trust and support the club has shown me over the last six seasons. I have seen this club grow on and off the pitch, and this year we have a balanced mix of experienced players and young talent. Starting the season at home in front of our supporters gives us extra confidence, and we will go all out for three points,” said experienced Rajasthan winger Novin Gurung.

Sreenidi Deccan also has a new head coach, Spanish Antonio Rueda, who has chosen to bolster his squad with experienced Indian internationals like Pritam Kotal, Nishu Kumar and Jerry Mawihmingthanga.

“I am happy to return to India with a strong project and a talented group of players. It is a difficult opening match because Rajasthan have quality foreign and Indian players,” said head coach Rueda.

“We are pleased with these signings because they bring top-level experience from Indian football and the national team. It creates the right environment for our younger players to develop alongside established professionals,” he added.

“Sreenidi Deccan feels like home to me. Last season we came close to the title, and we learned from that experience. The new arrivals have brought quality, technique, and leadership to the dressing room,” said club captain David Castaneda.

Debut in the IFL for FC Bengaluru United

The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa will host the matchup between debutants FC Bengaluru United and football league stalwarts Dempo Sports Club.

Having been promoted last season from I-League 2, the Red Ramparts are coached by former India international Nallappan Mohanraj and have retained their core with a few new additions.

“We are really proud of the players who earned promotion for us last season, and as the only club from Karnataka competing in the IFL, it is going to be a very exciting season,” said Mohanraj.

Over the past two decades, clubs from Karnataka have been promoted to the league thrice, HAL twice and Sporting Bengaluru once, and unfortunately, all three times they were relegated in the very same season. We are determined to make sure that is not the case with FC Bengaluru United,” he added.

“Having been part of this club since its establishment, this is a very special moment for me . We have faced a lot of challenges on this journey with the single objective of qualifying for the IFL. As a local lad, stepping onto this big stage and competing against so many legacy clubs in the IFL means a great deal to me, and we are ready for the challenge,” said longest-serving player Srijith R.

Debutants FC Bengaluru United hope to continue their form from I League 2 over to the Indian Football League | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Golden Eagles, on the other hand, under Samir Naik, want to build on their performance last season and aim to compete for the title. They have added a couple of players, midfielder Rowlin Borges and defender Athul Unnikrishnan, in hopes of achieving this.

“A positive start is always crucial, and if we start on a winning note, it sets the tone for us to fight for the championship. We have prepared really well over the last three months, winning all three of our pre-season games by good margins and with a positive approach,” said head coach Naik.

“For me, all teams in this league are equal. FC Bengaluru United are not here by chance, they have worked extremely hard in Division 2 to earn their place here,” he added.

“I am very happy and proud to be back at Dempo Sports Club for another season. We have worked extremely hard in training, and there is complete trust between the players and the coaching staff. My personal goal is to give my absolute best so that we can function as one big family and win this championship,” said forward Richmond Kwasi Owusu.

Sreenidi Deccan FC face Rajasthan United FC at 4 PM while Dempo SC take on FC Bengaluru United at 6:30 PM on Sunday.

Published on Oct 31, 2026

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