IWL 2026-27: HOPS FC and Juba Sangha join the fight as the season begins on November 13

FILE PHOTO: The Indian Women’s League begins a new season with East Bengal FC looking to defend their title. | Photo Credit: DEBASISH BHADURI

The Indian Women’s League (IWL), the country’s premier women’s club football competition, will kick off its 2026-27 season on November 13 with eight clubs battling for the title in Kolkata, Jamshedpur and Bengaluru.

The new season is another step forward for women’s club football in India, giving the country’s leading women footballers a competitive stage.

Six clubs return from last season: East Bengal FC, Sethu FC, Kickstart FC, Nita Football Academy, Gokulam Kerala FC and Garhwal United FC. They are joined by HOPS FC and Juba Sangha FC, who were promoted from IWL 2 after finishing first and second respectively in 2025-26.

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Defending champions East Bengal FC begin the new campaign looking to hold on to their crown, having dominated 2025-26 with 13 wins and only one defeat.

Last season also had standout individual displays, headed by East Bengal FC’s Fazila Ikwaput, who topped the scoring charts with 20 goals. Nita Football Academy’s Pyari Xaxa and Sethu FC’s Lynda Kom were other notable attackers, showing the depth of talent across the league.

The announcement comes as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Capri Sports continue their joint work after signing a landmark 15-year partnership covering the commercial development and marketing rights of the IWL and IWL 2.

“The Indian Women’s League remains a cornerstone of the development of women’s football in India. The 2026-27 season will see eight clubs compete for the title, with players across the country looking to make their mark on the national stage.

“Alongside the IWL, the IWL 2 provides a valuable pathway for clubs and players to progress through the domestic structure. We look forward to an exciting season and remain committed to creating more opportunities for women footballers across India,” Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary General of AIFF said.