Mumbai City FC will play their first season post-City Football Group ownership after both parted ways due to the ISL crisis, hoping to replace their forgettable campaign last time amid several key stars leaving the club. The Islanders only managed an eliminator spot last season, where they got eliminated by the eventual runners-up Bengaluru FC by 5-0. However, they managed to reach the semifinal of the Super Cup this term, which they want as motivation for the season ahead, plagued by delays and talent exodus. This will be Petr Kratky's third season for Mumbai City and he will be aiming for the ISL Shield, which he came close to winning two years ago.
Mumbai City FC ISL 2025-26 Signings
IN: Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Amandeep Singh, Lalnuntluanga, Bijay Chhetri, Dhruv Alva, Nuno Reis, Sahil Panwar (re-signed), Joni Kauko
OUT: Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Jayesh Rane, Amey Ranawade, Mehtab Singh, Yoëll van Nieff, Bipin Singh, Seilenhang Lotjem (on loan), Nikolaos Karelis, Thaer Krouma, Jeremy Manzorro, Hardik Bhatt, Vishal Joon, Jon Toral, Tiri
Despite enduring a hard time due to the ISL delay, especially after City Football Group walked away from the club’s ownership, Mumbai City FC still managed to make some effective business in the window. They brought back their famed striker Jorge Pereyra Diaz after he spent a season at Bengaluru FC. The side struggled massively in front of goal last season, so his introduction is a major boost to the attack. Similarly, the Islanders added Nuno Reis to their backline, a centre-back who failed to show himself at Mohun Bagan due to the club’s withdrawal from AFC competitions for which he was registered, a chance to finally showcase himself in the ISL. The club also pulled the signature of the star midfielder and another ex-Mariner, Joni Kauko, who will bring power, box-to-box ability, creativity and above all, title-winning mentality to the squad. The club also re-signed Sahil Panwar and acquired talents like Amandeep Singh and Bijay Chhetri.
However, the club had endured the departures of key stars behind their success in the last few years, including their prized Indian centre-back, Mehtab Singh, who went to the other side, joining the Green and Maroons. The headlining departure, though, was the club’s legendary winger Bipin Singh, who ended an eight-year trophy-filled reign at the club to join East Bengal.
Midfielder Jayesh Rane was the other notable Indian player leaving the club. Top foreigners for the side, Yoëll van Nieff and Thaer Krouma, also headed for the exit door alongside the less impactful Nikolaos Karelis and Jeremy Manzorro in the summer. Yet, the biggest shocker came due to the league’s uncertainty with one of the best and longest serving centre-backs in the league’s history, Tiri, not only leaving the club but also the league completely. Jon Toral was the other player who left to seek game time to progress his career during the uncertainty.
Mumbai City FC ISL 2025-26 Squad
Goalkeepers: Phurba Lachenpa, TP Rehnesh, Ahan Prakash
Defenders: Nuno Reis (foreigner), Bijay Chhetri, Akash Mishra, Valpuia, Nathan Rodrigues, Amandeep Singh, Sanjeev Stalin, Sahil Panwar, Dhruv Alva, Halen Nongtdu
Midfielders: Franklin Nazareth, Brandon Fernandes, Noufal P.N, Gyamar Nikum, Lalnuntluanga, Zothanpuia, Joni Kauko (foreigner), Aadil Sheikh, Ishaan Shishodia
Forwards: Jorge Díaz (foreigner), Vikram Partap Singh, Ayush Chhikara, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jorge Ortiz (foreigner)
Head Coach: Petr Kratky
Kratky’s side will have to settle with three foreigners for the 2025-26 season after much disruption due to the delay and ownership change. Although the overseas signings have been quality-filled and also in a strategic way, having one each at every outfield department, the team will be relying on the Indian stars to fire as well. None more than star winger Lallianzuala Chhangte, who will want to hit double digits in scoring numbers again now that Díaz is back, with whom he struck a deadly partnership upfront. Vikram Partap Singh, Brandon Fernandes and the returning Akash Mishra will be crucial for the team as they look to have a better season than the last one.
How will Mumbai City lineup for the ISL 2025-26 season?
The team looks like a solid unit in the preferred 4-2-3-1 formation that has become synonymous with Kratky’s system, with the attack the most shining area of the pitch. The return of Jorge Diaz is a welcome move for the club, with him being a part of a decorated front four containing Vikram Pratap, Jorge Ortiz and Chhangte. Brandon Fernandes could join in there if he operates as a number 10 or takes the left flank, but could also partner the baller Joni Kauko in the middle of the park. The only thing that could be an issue for the side is the backline, consisting of an unproven foreigner partnering a potential star, while Mishra requires more matches to get back to his absolute best after a long injury absence.
Mumbai City ISL schedule for the 2025-26 season
February 2026
Thursday, 19 February 2026
Mumbai City vs Chennaiyin FC - Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri (19:30)
Sunday, 22 February 2026
Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City - Kaloor Stadium, Kochi (19:30)
The 2025-26 ISL season kick-off for Mumbai City is on 19 February 2026, five days after the curtain raiser, when they welcome Chennaiyin FC at the Mumbai Football Arena. There was uncertainty whether the Islanders would continue to play at the stadium located in Andheri due to cost-cutting measures taken for the truncated season, but they have now confirmed the venue to the delight of their supporters. Both of the games in the opening month involve an opponent from South India as Petr Kratky’s side will play their first away game of the season against Kerala Blasters, travelling to the Kaloor Stadium in Kochi.
March 2026
Sunday, 1 March 2026
Mumbai City vs NorthEast United - Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri (19:30)
Sunday, 8 March 2026
Mumbai City vs SC Delhi - Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri (19:30)
Sunday, 15 March 2026
Inter Kashi vs Mumbai City - TBD (19:30)
Friday, 20 March 2026
Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City - Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata (19:30)
The Islanders will play four games in March, two home and away each. Starting the month with back-to-back home games against the Durand Cup winners, NorthEast United and the rebranded franchise, Sporting Cup Delhi, they will make consecutive away trips next. First, to face the promoted side and the I-League winners, Inter Kashi, managed by a certain Antonio Lopez Habas, against whom the side has played many successful games. However, the biggest challenge will be to face the back-to-back Shield holders, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, at the Salt Lake Stadium in a Sergio Lobera derby, although the team is unbeaten in the last two trips to face the Green and Maroons, which also includes their ISL Cup triumph at the venue in 2024.
April 2026
Sunday, 5 April 2026
Mumbai City vs Odisha FC - Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri (19:30)
Thursday, 9 April 2026
Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City - The Furnace, Jamshedpur (19:30)
Saturday, 18 April 2026
FC Goa vs Mumbai City - Fatorda Stadium, Goa (19:30)
Saturday, 25 April 2026
Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City - Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru (17:00)
The penultimate month of the truncated 2025-26 season for Mumbai City FC starts by welcoming Odisha FC in the Mumbai Football Arena, their only home game in April. While the Kalinga Warriors will be a considerably easier side due to their squad being depleted for the ISL delay, the Islanders will play three straight away games against tougher opponents in Jamshedpur FC, Super Cup holders FC Goa and Bengaluru FC. With no more than 13 games possible this season, this will be the most crucial part of the Islander’s schedule that might decide their fate.
May 2026
Sunday, 3 May 2026
Mohammedan SC vs Mumbai City - Kishore Bharoti Krinangan, Kolkata (17:00)
Friday, 8 May 2026
Mumbai City vs East Bengal - Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri (19:30)
TBD
Punjab FC vs Mumbai City, New Delhi (TBD)
The final month of the season will be immensely tricky for Petr Kratky’s side as they will face an unpredictable all-Indian squad of Mohammedan Sporting at the beginning of May, before welcoming another Kolkata side, East Bengal, in the final home match, but with much more ferocity than the Black Panthers. Moreover, the Islanders have failed to win or even score a goal in this fixture at home in the previous two seasons, making it their toughest game at the end of the season. The last game of the campaign comes as an away trip to Delhi to face Punjab FC.
Mumbai City ISL Prediction for 2025-26 season
Mumbai City’s fate in the 2025-26 season will depend on how they can react to the City Football Group leaving the club, tackling both financial and sporting impact. It will be an important campaign for the club to continue with the success they enjoyed with the former ownership or crumble entirely. The Islanders arranged a squad that was possible in the most difficult time, but with the lack of some seasoned campaigners and difference maker albeit some promising additions, it is left to see whether the side can sustain themselves in a more challenging truncated format. The defence showed cracks last season and it has been further diminished this term. Also, for some clubs like direct Shield contenders Mohun Bagan have only gone and strengthened themselves, which is a major hurdle with no playoffs this time to save blushes. Overall, Mumbai City is good enough to mount a proper challenge, but the top place looks a bit far for the side.
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