Nagaland United SC began their Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 campaign with an impressive 3-1 win over Real Kashmir FC in the season opener at TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Friday.
JH Remlala put the debutants ahead in the third minute, finishing from close range after Stephen Lalrinfela’s long throw-in caused confusion in the penalty area. Vanlalhriatzuala K doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a superb finish following a swift counterattack.
Real Kashmir reduced the deficit in the 59th minute when Nagaland United captain Rohmingthanga inadvertently turned Lalvenhima’s cross into his own net.
However, Vanlalhriatzuala restored the two-goal cushion in the 74th minute, beating the advancing goalkeeper before scoring into an empty net.
Nagaland United will host its first-ever home game in the IFL, against Gokulam Kerala in Chümoukedima on November 14.
The Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 will be broadcast on DD Sports and Unite8 Sports, with matches also streamed on Zee5, WAVES and the Unite8 Sports YouTube channel. Zee Entertainment Enterprises has joined as a broadcast and streaming partner, alongside Doordarshan, which will telecast every match live.
The IFL, rebranded from I-League, aims to expand its reach beyond its reported television audience of 17.56 million viewers.
The season runs until March 20, 2027, featuring 11 clubs in a full home-and-away format, with each team playing 20 matches. New entrants include Nagaland United SC and Odisha’s Samaleswari Sporting Club.