Delhi Football Club has been crowned champions of the I-League 2 2025-26, marking their return to the Indian Football League (IFL) for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The club secured the title with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against United SC at the Kalyani Stadium on Friday, May 15, 2026. This result also extended United SC's long wait for a return to the second tier of Indian football to 12 years.
Dramatic Final Day Scenarios Seal Promotion and Relegation
The final day of the I-League 2 season was filled with tension and crucial outcomes. In another pivotal match at the Neville D'Souza Ground in Mumbai, FC Bengaluru United also secured their promotion to the IFL after a 1-1 draw with GMSC. This result was instrumental in GMSC avoiding relegation from I-League 2. GMSC, who began the day in the relegation zone with four points, managed to secure a vital point, bringing their total to five. This crucial point, combined with a superior head-to-head record against NEROCA FC, ensured their survival in the league.
Promotion Race Tight as Delhi FC and FC Bengaluru United Triumph
Delhi FC's path to the championship involved a draw that was enough to clinch the top spot. United SC had taken the lead in the 54th minute through Susovan Ghosh, but Himanshu Jangra, the league's top scorer, equalized for Delhi FC in the 67th minute, securing the championship. Meanwhile, FC Bengaluru United and United SC both finished the season with 15 points. However, FC Bengaluru United secured the second promotion spot due to a superior goal difference. The match between FC Bengaluru United and GMSC saw an early lead for Bengaluru through Lijo K. Lalramdinsanga in the fourth minute. GMSC fought back, with substitute Shravan Shetty scoring the equalizer in the 47th minute after a powerful free-kick from Kean Lewis. Despite both teams pushing for a winner, the draw proved sufficient for FC Bengaluru United's promotion and GMSC's safety.
Looking Ahead: The IFL Welcomes New Entrants
The conclusion of the I-League 2 season marks an exciting chapter for Indian football, with Delhi FC and FC Bengaluru United set to compete in the higher division. The performance of these newly promoted teams will be keenly watched as they aim to make their mark in the Indian Football League. The league's structure and competitiveness continue to evolve, promising more thrilling encounters in the seasons to come.