New Delhi, Oct 13: Punjab FC and Odisha FC begin their 2026-27 MG Indian Super League campaigns at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. While Punjab begin their campaign after an extended pre-season and several competitive matches under their belt, Odisha will have to hit the ground running.
Punjab finished sixth in the 2025-26 season with 22 points from 13 matches, while Odisha finished 11th with 11 points. Their previous meeting in May saw Punjab claim a dramatic 3-2 victory, with Dani Ramírez scoring in stoppage time.
Head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis has used an extended pre-season of around two and a half months to work on Punjab’s tactical approach. The Shers played eight friendlies before competing in the IFA Shield, gaining valuable match practice ahead of the campaign. Punjab have strengthened their squad with overseas additions including Alfred Planas, Raphaël Messi Bouli, Patrick Bahanack, Diego Raposo and Mickaël Malsa. Indian signings Mohammad Inam and Gurkirat Singh add further options, while the club’s 27-member squad includes 10 academy graduates, highlighting its continued focus on developing young talent.“We want to play good and attractive football, with more combinations, while maintaining a balance between attack and defence,” Dermitzakis said.
Odisha, meanwhile, have added overseas experience through the signings of Stephen Eze, Manuel Molina, Giorgi Aburjania and Everton Nascimento. The new arrivals will need to settle quickly as the club begins its campaign without pre-season tournament matches. Head coach T.G. Purushothaman acknowledged the challenge but stressed the need to adapt. “The lack of practice matches can affect a team, but as professionals, we have to adapt to the situation,” he said.
Captain Lalthathanga Khawlhring (Puitea), will be central to that effort following the departures of Carlos Delgado and Amrinder Singh. Having spent three years at the club, he takes on added responsibility with the armband. Odisha will also be without Rahul KP for their opening two matches as a precaution after a minor injury.
This opening fixture represents a vital reset button for two clubs seeking a dominant start to the 2026-27 campaign. Punjab aims to prove their young core can sustain top-flight pressure, while Odisha looks to assert its elite credentials early on.
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