I-League 3 Set for Nationwide Kick-off Across Four Venues from April 27

The next tier of India’s domestic football pyramid is ready to take centre stage as I-League 3 gets underway on April 27, marking the beginning of an important phase in the country’s club football structure. 

Designed as the fourth division in Indian men’s football, the competition continues to serve as a crucial pathway for emerging clubs aiming to climb the national ladder. This edition will be played across four venues Imphal, Balaghat, and Bengaluru with 20 teams divided into four groups of five each. Every group will follow a single round-robin format, ensuring each team gets a fair run of matches in the league phase before the competition intensifies.

The stakes are significant. At the end of the tournament, the top two teams from the final round will secure promotion to I-League 2 for the 2026–27 season, keeping the long-term incentive firmly in focus for all participating clubs.

The tournament begins with group-stage action, where teams compete within their respective groups. The top team from each group will automatically qualify for the final round, joined by the two best second-placed teams across all groups. This six-team final stage will again follow a round-robin format, with consistency across matches becoming the defining factor. Promotion remains the ultimate objective. With limited slots available, teams will need not just strong starts but sustained performances across both phases of the competition.

Venues and Group Distribution

The competition has been geographically spread to ensure wider participation and accessibility.

• Groups A and B will be hosted in Imphal, with matches split between the Khuman Lampak Stadium and the SAI Turf Ground.

• Group C fixtures will take place at the Mulna Football Stadium in Balaghat.

• Group D matches will be held at the Padukone Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru.

This multi-venue structure reflects the federation’s effort to decentralise domestic football while giving different regions a chance to host competitive fixtures.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/mohammedan-sporting-earn-gutsy-goalless-draw-at-chennaiyin-to-claim-deserved-point-in-isl-survival-battle

The league features a blend of established names and ambitious newcomers. Clubs such as TRAU FC and KLASA FC enter the competition after relegation from I-League 2, bringing experience that could prove valuable in tight contests. Group A includes sides like FC Raengdai, Sunrise Club Orissa, and Mawlai Sports Club, while Group B features teams such as Mumbai Football Club and Clube De Salgaocar. In Group C, Citadel Godavari Legends FC and Diamond Rock FC will look to assert themselves, while Group D brings together teams like FC Agniputhra and Royal Rangers FC.

With only one round of matches in the group stage, margins for error are minimal. Early momentum could dictate the trajectory of the entire campaign.

The opening day promises immediate action, with multiple fixtures scheduled across venues. In Group A, FC Raengdai take on ARA FC, while Mawlai Sports Club face Sikkim Brotherhood FC in Imphal. Simultaneously, Group C and Group D matches begin in Balaghat and Bengaluru respectively, ensuring a packed opening day. Group B action follows on April 28, headlined by Mumbai Football Club’s clash against TRAU FC, a fixture that could set the tone for the group.

With tight schedules and quick turnarounds, squad depth and rotation will play a crucial role. Teams that manage recovery and maintain consistency are likely to have an edge as the tournament progresses.

Beyond results and promotion, I-League 3 continues to play a vital role in broadening the base of Indian football. It provides competitive exposure to clubs from diverse regions, many of whom are still building their infrastructure and talent pipelines. The presence of academies, local clubs, and institutional teams ensures a varied mix of playing styles and tactical approaches. This diversity adds an unpredictable element to the competition, often leading to surprise results.

For players, especially younger talents, the tournament offers a chance to showcase their abilities on a national stage. For clubs, it represents an opportunity to establish themselves within the structured league system.

Full Schedule

Group A – Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal

April 27

• FC Raengdai vs ARA FC – 9:00 IST

• Mawlai FC vs Sikkim Brotherhood FC – 15:00 IST

April 29

• Sunrise Club Orissa vs Mawlai Sports Club – 9:00 IST

• ARA FC vs Sikkim Brotherhood FC – 15:00 IST

May 1

• FC Raengdai vs Sikkim Brotherhood FC – 9:00 IST

• Sunrise Club Orissa vs ARA FC – 15:00 IST

May 3

• Mawlai FC vs ARA FC – 9:00 IST

• FC Raengdai vs Sunrise Club Orissa – 15:00 IST

May 5

• Sikkim Brotherhood FC vs Sunrise Club Orissa – 9:00 IST

• Mawlai FC vs FC Raengdai – 15:00 IST

Group B – SAI Turf Ground, Imphal

April 28

• Mumbai FC vs TRAU FC – 9:00 IST

• Zinc FA vs Samaleshwari FC – 15:00 IST

April 30

• Salgaocar vs Samaleshwari FC – 9:00 IST

• Zinc FA vs Mumbai FC – 15:00 IST

May 2

• Zinc FA vs TRAU FC – 9:00 IST

• Salgaocar vs Mumbai FC – 15:00 IST

May 4

• Mumbai FC vs Samaleshwari FC – 9:00 IST

• TRAU FC vs Salgaocar – 15:00 IST

May 6

• Zinc FA vs Salgaocar – 9:00 IST

• Samaleshwari FC vs TRAU FC – 15:00 IST

Group C – Mulna Stadium, Balaghat

April 27

• KLASA FC vs Diamond Rock FC – 9:00 IST

• Kuppuraj FC vs Chhaygaon FC – 16:00 IST

April 29

• Kuppuraj FC vs Citadel GLFC – 9:00 IST

• KLASA FC vs Chhaygaon FC – 16:00 IST

May 1

• Diamond Rock FC vs Chhaygaon FC – 9:00 IST

• Citadel GLFC vs KLASA FC – 16:00 IST

May 3

• Kuppuraj FC vs KLASA FC – 9:00 IST

• Citadel GLFC vs Diamond Rock FC – 16:00 IST

May 5

• Citadel GLFC vs Chhaygaon FC – 9:00 IST

• Kuppuraj FC vs Diamond Rock FC – 16:00 IST

Group D – CSE Football Arena, Bengaluru

April 27

• FC Agniputhra vs Techtro Swades United – 9:00 IST

• FC Banaras Baghpat vs Royal Rangers FC – 16:00 IST

April 29

• New Friends Club vs Royal Rangers FC – 9:00 IST

• FC Banaras Baghpat vs Techtro Swades United – 16:00 IST

May 1

• FC Banaras Baghpat vs FC Agniputhra – 9:00 IST

• New Friends Club vs Techtro Swades United – 16:00 IST

May 3

• Techtro Swades United vs Royal Rangers FC – 9:00 IST

• FC Agniputhra vs New Friends Club – 16:00 IST

May 5

• New Friends Club vs FC Banaras Baghpat – 9:00 IST

• Royal Rangers FC vs FC Agniputhra – 16:00 IST

With a clear pathway to promotion and a tightly packed calendar, I-League 3 promises high-intensity football and emerging storylines from across the country.