IWL 2025-26: Second Phase Kicks Off in Kolkata with High Stakes

The much-anticipated second phase of the Indian Women's League (IWL) 2025-26 is set to kick off in Kolkata this Monday, April 27. The opening match, featuring East Bengal FC against Sribhumi FC, is a rescheduled fixture from the first phase and will take place at the East Bengal Ground, scheduled to begin at 19:00 IST.

Following a break of over three months to accommodate national team commitments, including camps for the senior and U20 women's teams and the AFC Women's Asian Cup, the league resumes with a packed schedule. Phase 2 will see 29 matches played between April 27 and May 18. Matches will take place at two venues – the AIFF National Centre of Excellence and East Bengal Ground – at 15:00 and 19:00 IST.

East Bengal FC, the defending champions, currently sit atop the league standings with an impressive 18 points from six games. Meanwhile, Sesa FA and Kickstart FC find themselves in the relegation zone with one and six points, respectively. The league promises intense competition as teams vie for the championship crown, while the bottom two face demotion to IWL 2 next season.