Nagaland United SC will make their historic debut in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026–27 when they take on Real Kashmir FC in the season opener at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Friday, October 30. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. IST.
Founded in 2024 in Chümoukedima, Nagaland United’s entry into the national league marks a major milestone for football in Nagaland, which has waited 78 years for representation in the competition. The development also carries significance for a state associated with Dr Talimeren Ao, independent India’s first football captain.
Nagaland United secured their place in the IFL through a goodwill agreement with Aizawl FC, under which the club acquired Aizawl’s sporting rights for the league. The arrangement was approved by the All India Football Federation on September 9, 2026.
The club has appointed young coach, Kaizad Ambapardiwalla to lead its maiden campaign. He previously served as head coach of Jamshedpur FC during their run to the quarterfinals of the Durand Cup 2026. Nagaland United are expected to field a young squad featuring local players, with the aim of providing emerging footballers from the state and the wider region an opportunity to compete at the national level.
Speaking ahead of the club’s first-ever match in a national league, Ambapardiwalla said preparations were progressing well and the players were in a positive frame of mind.
“Despite having limited time, our main focus during training has been on discipline, the right attitude and developing a winning mentality,” he said.
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Acknowledging Real Kashmir’s experience, the coach said his players had trained well over the past week and had a clear plan for the match. He emphasised that Nagaland United had entered the league not merely to participate but to compete and win.
Defender Rohmingthanga, who has previous experience with Aizawl FC in the I-League, will lead the side as captain. He said the team wanted to make its inaugural campaign special for supporters, particularly the people of Nagaland, and pledged that the players would give their best on the field.
For Nagaland United, the opening fixture will be an early test of their readiness for the demands of national-league football, as the club seeks to establish itself and create opportunities for local talent.
Real Kashmir look to build on late-season recovery
Hosts Real Kashmir will enter the match seeking to build on their recovery towards the end of the 2025–26 season. The Snow Leopards endured a difficult opening phase and were placed in the relegation phase but responded with three consecutive victories under head coach Ishfaq Ahmed.
A 3–0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC, followed by a 2–1 victory against Aizawl FC, helped Real Kashmir finish the relegation phase at the top with 14 points and retain their place in the league.
Ishfaq will continue as head coach this season and said his side was prepared for the challenge posed by the debutants, despite having limited information about their new coach’s tactical approach.
He said Real Kashmir would look to play aggressive football at home and called on supporters to turn out in large numbers. The return of a full home-and-away format, which gives the club 10 home matches this season, is expected to provide greater opportunities for local fans to support the team.
Real Kashmir have lost former captain Mohammad Inam, who joined Indian Super League side Punjab FC, but have strengthened their attack with experienced striker Marcus Joseph and added talented domestic players.
Defender N Rohen Singh said the team had prepared well and was hoping to begin the campaign with a victory.
With Real Kashmir aiming to capitalise on home advantage and Nagaland United preparing to make their mark in their maiden IFL campaign, Friday’s fixture will open the new season with a significant moment for football in Nagaland. The debutants will look to translate the excitement surrounding their entry into a competitive performance on the national stage.
