Bengaluru FC to Kick Off ISL Season at the Fortress
Bengaluru FC kicks off their 2026-27 ISL campaign at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium against Sporting Club Delhi.
Bengaluru FC is set to ignite their 2026–27 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign this Saturday, hosting Sporting Club Delhi at the iconic Sree Kanteerava Stadium. In a historic first for the club, the Blues will host the season opener, providing their dedicated supporters at the "Fortress" a chance to witness the league's commencement live.
Seeking Momentum After Strong Finish
The Blues enter the new season with significant confidence following a solid performance last season. Bengaluru finished fourth in the league standings, accumulating 23 points from 13 matches, characterized by six wins, five draws, and only two defeats. They concluded their previous campaign on a high note with a 2–1 victory over Chennaiyin FC, a momentum they will desperately aim to carry into Saturday's clash against Delhi.
A Blend of New Faces and Veteran Leadership
To bolster their squad for the upcoming campaign, Bengaluru FC has introduced several international talents. The new arrivals include:
- Borja Martínez (Spanish forward)
- Sandro Embaló (Portuguese defender)
- Manuel de Iriondo (Argentine midfielder)
- Menno Koch (Dutch centre-back)
- Mihailo Perović (Montenegrin forward)
While new faces bring fresh energy, the squad maintains vital continuity. Most notably, legendary captain Sunil Chhetri has extended his stay with the club for the 2026–27 season. Additionally, the club has secured contract extensions for rising Indian talents Soham Varshneya, Vinith Venkatesh, and Harsh Palande.
Pep Muñoz Prepares for First Full Season
The new campaign also marks the first full season for Head Coach Pep Muñoz. After successfully guiding the Blues to a fourth-place finish last season, Muñoz faces his first competitive test of the new season against a formidable Delhi side.
Speaking ahead of the opener, Muñoz emphasized the importance of patience and preparation: "It's been a long pre-season, and we are very excited that the league is finally starting. Delhi is a really strong opponent, and it will be a tough game. We know it will be a difficult game, so we need to be patient and manage it well. But we play at home, we have confidence in our preparation, and I feel we are ready to compete."
Midfield Focus on Strong Start
Midfielder Suresh Wangjam echoed the squad's enthusiasm following a rigorous pre-season. "We got to know each other and understand what the coach wants from us during this time. We are really excited for the first game against Delhi and want to start the season strongly," Wangjam stated.