Football Tournaments in India : Complete Schedule and Format

Football has stopped being a mere sport and has turned into a worldwide phenomenon with its growing presence in India. On any given day, from street football to national-level championships, India has some arenas made for young talents as well as seasoned professionals.

Over time, many domestic football competitions have come into existence in India, some of which create global splashes. Sites like 96in.com have done their part to bring the sport closer to the fans through updates, betting opportunities, and match previews.

This article will look into the list of football tournaments that take place in India, covering historic events working their way up to the new editions and those slated for the near future, to stay abreast of information using the official 96in.com app.

List of Major Football Tournaments in India: ISL, I-League & More

Thus, India has a complete array of football tournaments, which initially might offer club-level tournaments and then soar to the state level, eventually making their way to the national level. Hence, the tournament lays the foundation for Indian football and becomes the launching platform for players to display their talent, create opportunities, and be scouted.

Top 7 Football Tournaments in India – Explained in Detail

The country hosts several prestigious football tournaments, which further the cause of sport’s development as well as its popularity. These events span from league tournaments of the top class to the historic cup tournament, with all having a stake in shaping Indian football. Here is a glance at the most popular and important football tournaments in India:

Indian Super League (ISL): India’s Premier Football Competition

The Indian Super League (ISL) right now is the best professional men football league in India. It is run by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) in coordination with All India Football Federation (AIFF). The league began in 2014 to promote football in India and improve its standard.

13 clubs are participating in the ISL. The competition is organized in the form of a league with playoffs to follow. The AFC Champions League Two qualifier is the ISL Shield winner (the team that tops the league stage). Promotion is already on and relegation will probably be done in the future to make the league a more competitive game.

You can find ISL match updates, team stats, and betting tips on 96in.com and bet on your favorite teams via 96 bet login.

I-League: The Traditional Championship Tournament

The I-League is India’s second professional football division, positioned just below the ISL. It was launched in 2007 as a replacement for the National Football League (NFL). In its early years, the I-League was India’s top league before the rise of ISL.

The league has seen a lot of well-known players and clubs. It is no longer the main event as compared to ISL, yet it remains an important component of the footballing setup in the country. I-League teams will now have the chance to get promoted to ISL.

With the help of the 96in.com app, stay tuned to the I-League results, preview, football betting all the time.

Read about – Women Football Standings

Durand Cup: World’s Third Oldest Football Tournament

The Durand Cup is the oldest Indian football competition, played first in the year 1888 in Shimla. It is also the oldest club football tournament in Asia and also the fifth-oldest in the world.

It is a collaboration of Durand Football Tournament Society and the AIFF. Teams who have completed this long standing competition are top clubs in the ISL, I-League and in the Indian Armed Forces.

Records in Durand Cup:

• Most Titles: Mohun Bagan SG – 17 times
• Most Consecutive Wins: Mohun Bagan (1963–65, 1984–86), East Bengal (1989–91), Highland Light Infantry (1893–95), Black Watch (1897–99)

The Durand Cup is a fan-favorite and regularly featured on 96in.com with full match coverage and odds.

Super Cup: Elite Knockout Competition

The Super Cup (also called The AIFF Super Cup) is a knockout tournament established in 2018 in place of the Federation Cup. It brings the top teams of the ISL and I-League.

It looks like world renowned cup events such as the FA Cup in England, or in Spain, Copa del Rey. Each match is a knockout match and the tournament is an event that is marked with surprises and victory of the underdogs.

Live coverage, team form guides, and betting predictions for the Super Cup can be accessed through 96in.com and 96 bet.

IFA Shield: Kolkata’s Historic Football Tournament

The IFA Shield is another historic tournament and was first organized in 1893 by the Indian Football Association (IFA) in West Bengal. It is India’s third-oldest football tournament names in india after the Durand Cup and the now-defunct Trades Cup.

Notable IFA Shield Facts:

• Foreign Winners: Club Atlético Peñarol (Uruguay, 1985), Bayern Munich II (Germany, 2005)
• Most Wins: East Bengal (29 times), Mohun Bagan (22 times)

The tournament provides a platform for youth and reserve teams of top clubs, making it a breeding ground for upcoming talent.

SAFF Championship: Regional International Tournamen

The SAFF Championship is the top international tournament for South Asian countries. It is managed by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and is played every two years.

Participating Nations:

• India
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

India is the most dominant team in SAFF history, winning the title 9 times. Maldives is the second-most successful with 2 titles.

Afghanistan has also belonged to the SAFF until 2015 when they transferred to the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA).

Track India’s performances in internationals such as SAFF on 96in.com app, where in-depth analysis and chances of betting are provided before each match.

Check – Top Football Leagues in World cup

AFC Asian Cup: India’s Continental Challenge

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) organizes the AFC Asian Cup, which is the largest continental competition involving senior national teams in the Asian region. It occurs every four years and is the second-oldest continental championship worldwide after the Copa América.

Since 2019, it has increased to 24 teams and is intertwined with the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. India is a regular participant in this tournament, and it pursues the objective of enhancing its position in Asian football.

Australia joined the AFC in 2006, hosted and won the Asian Cup in 2015.

Stay informed about India’s matches in the Asian Cup through 96in.com, which offers detailed previews, betting insights, and expert commentary.

Indian Football Tournament List for Fans

Sometimes the number of competitions can get overwhelming. Here’s a quick bullet list for anyone new to football in India—use this as your cheat sheet before picking a team or making predictions on 96.com.

• Indian Super League (ISL)
• I-League & its promotions
• Durand Cup
• Santosh Trophy
• IFA Shield
• Super Cup
• Subroto Cup
• National Youth Championships
• Inter-College Championships
• AIFF Youth Leagues (U13/U15/U17)
• National Beach Soccer Championship
• Women’s National Football Championship

Other brands do publish the indian football tournament list, but ours is always updated and includes tips for every major and minor football competition in India.

Which is the Oldest Football Tournament in India?

Which is the oldest football tournament in India? The answer lies in the legacy of the Durand Cup.

• Oldest football tournament in India is the Durand Cup, which began in 1888.

Organized initially as a military tournament by Mortimer Durand, the competition is now one of the most respected football tournaments in Asia. It still remains a crucial part of the Indian football calendar.

Football Tournament Calendar 2025: Current & Upcoming Fixtures

The Football Tournament Calendar 2025 brings fans an exciting lineup of current and upcoming fixtures across international and club competitions. From major leagues and continental cups to global tournaments, football enthusiasts can stay updated with all the key match dates, schedules, and venues in one place. This calendar highlights ongoing championships, knockout stages, and upcoming fixtures so you never miss your favorite team in action.

Current Football Tournaments & Schedule: All You Need to Know

If you’re passionate about the current football tournament scene, there’s no better place than 96.com to get the freshest updates. Our site makes it super easy to follow every football tournament schedule—whether it’s a league in progress, a cup just starting, or finals around the corner. Fans love how every ongoing football tournament is highlighted with daily scorecards, key match previews, and expert tips.

• Whenever you sign in to 96.com, you’ll see the tournament of football the moment you land—ISL, I-League, Durand Cup, and special events from all regions.
• “Football tournaments latest” are listed in an easy format for bettors, analysts, and casual fans alike.
• Our schedule page is always in sync, so you never miss a football event in India, whether it’s a national tournament of football or a major cup tie.

Indibet has decent tournament info too but doesn’t provide the same tournament-wide analysis, previews, and live odds that you get with 96.com. Other brands basically list fixtures, but don’t make it exciting or engaging.

Current Season Highlights

• ISL playoffs: Chasing the trophy, teams like Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant are battling for glory.
• Durand Cup 2025: Key knockouts starting soon, watch out for youth players making headlines.
• Santosh Trophy: Regional contests heating up, with Bengal, Goa, and Punjab being top contenders.

Upcoming Football Tournaments in India (2025–2026 Preview)- Latest Update from 96in.com

As people acquire increased interest in football each passing year, the next set of football tournaments in India of the season 2025-2026 are already exciting people.

Top Indian Football Tournaments & Their Schedules

When you log in to 96.com, tournament schedules are streamlined—not only for current and ongoing football tournaments, but also for previews of upcoming fixtures and results recaps.

Indibet shares results and some schedules, but tends to focus more on ISL betting odds and less on tournament stories. Other brands just dump dates.

Recent Football Tournament in India (2024–2025 Highlights)

The 2024-2025 football season was quite a significant season in Indian football with a lot of progress being made in different leagues and tournaments.

Highlights of recent football tournament in India:

• ISL 2024 Final, the trophy was won nerve-wrackingly by Kerala Blasters.
• Durand Cup 2024: Mumbai City FC won it, and it included matches with large attendance..
• Santosh Trophy 2025: West Bengal became the champions in Santosh trophy 2025 beating Punjab.
• I-League Promotions: Rajasthan United finished at the top with a series of good results.

In case of non-availability, you can get full replay, results, and football betting odds of the major matches with 96in.com app.

Football Tournament Categories: National, International & Open Competitions

The Football Tournament Categories are divided into National, International, and Open Competitions, offering fans and players a wide variety of exciting matches. National tournaments focus on domestic leagues and cup competitions within a country, showcasing top clubs and local talent. International tournaments bring together teams from different nations, such as World Cups, continental championships, and international friendlies, creating global excitement.

Biggest Football Tournament in India

While the Durand Cup holds the legacy, the Indian Super League (ISL) has become the biggest football tournament in India in terms of popularity, global viewership, and sponsorship.

Key highlights of ISL:

• Involves top-tier Indian and international players.
• Widely covered by sports media and online platforms.
• Supported by digital platforms like 96.com for options and match-day coverage.

You can easily catch up with the ISL live scores, schedules, and betting predictions via the 96in.com app or by accessing 96 bet login.

Open Football Tournaments in India

Apart from league-based competitions, India also has open football tournaments, allowing both professional and amateur teams to participate. These are grassroots-level platforms that help scout hidden talent.

Popular open football tournaments in India include:

• Subroto Cup
• Inter-College Championships
• District Football Championships
• Rovers Cup (open for various clubs)

These are the most important tournaments in developing the foundation of the upcoming professional players and are frequently reported in websites such as 96in.com football section.

Read about – Football For Beginners

Football Cups in India: Evolving Scene

The roster of football cups in India is constantly growing. Whether you’re curious about “football cup in India” for this season or want to know which trophy every team is chasing, our tournament guides keep the info clear.

• Indian Super League: The flagship football cup in India, where the strongest clubs compete from September to April for supremacy.
• Durand Cup: Recognized as Asia’s oldest, it’s like the FA Cup for India—where professional and Armed Forces teams battle it out.
• Super Cup: Brings ISL and I-League together in one knockout frenzy every spring.
• Santosh Trophy: State pride is at stake, making it the most important national tournament of football for state teams.
• IFA Shield: Historic cup focused on youth squads showcasing next-gen stars.

These Indian football cups are covered from qualifiers right up to finals, with full analysis, predictions, and special offers for fans and bettors on 96.com.

Indibet features similar cups coverage, but with less content about smaller cups and fewer expert opinions. Other competition-focused platforms offer limited news, missing stats and pre-match builds.

If you want to know “football tournaments latest”—look up our schedule and preview page for day-by-day stories and predictions.

International & National Tournaments: India’s Place

Looking at the broader field, football competitions and tournaments in India now link to international tournaments as well.

• AFC Asian Cup: India’s senior national team aims for higher continental rankings.
• SAFF Championship: A showcase for South Asian football, with India as the dominant force.
• FIFA U-17 World Cup (hosted in India): Shows the growing global reputation.
• India vs. World Cup teams: Growing participation in qualifiers and friendly international football events.

96.com provides extensive previews and highlights for these national tournament of football fixtures, while clubs and players develop through domestic tournaments before entering global events.

Other brands publish match recaps but miss expert perspectives on how Indian football connects with worldwide competitions.

The Importance of Football Tournaments in India

Why do football tournaments matter in a cricket-dominated nation like India?

Key reasons include:

• Youth development: Tournaments help identify and nurture young players.
• State representation: Events like the Santosh Trophy offer players a chance to represent their states.
• Club growth: Domestic tournaments improve the strength of Indian football clubs.
• Fan engagement: Platforms like 96in.com offer real-time betting, updates, and stats, bringing fans closer to the game.
• International scouting: Global clubs keep an eye on Indian tournaments to pick emerging talents.

In short, football tournaments in India are not just matches—they are movements that shape careers.

Connecting Football with 96in.com

As football continues to grow in India, 96in.com stands out as the go-to destination for:

• Live match updates
• Betting insights
• Team stats and analysis
• Football betting options via 96 bet
• Secure access via 96 bet login
• Mobile accessibility through the 96in.com app

Whether you’re a football fan or a betting enthusiast, 96in.com offers everything in one place—results, predictions, tournaments, and more.

Explore our full guide on Football Clubs in India and Football Betting Tips for in-depth strategies.

Football Events in India: Engaging Fans

Football events in India don’t just include matches, but also:

• Fan festivals
• Prediction contests
• Pre-tournament build-up campaigns
• Awards ceremonies for top players, coaches, and clubs

At 96.com, fans enjoy exclusive digital events, prediction games, and real-time chats during tournaments. This sets us apart from more average brands and betting sites, which mostly just list fixtures.

Conclusion

India’s football journey has been inspiring—from the oldest football tournament in India to modern high-voltage leagues. With tournaments like the ISL, Durand Cup, and Santosh Trophy, India is slowly making its mark on the global football map. These events don’t just entertain—they empower, educate, and engage.

Thanks to digital platforms like 96in.com, following and betting on football tournaments in India has never been easier. Download the 96in.com app today to stay updated and be part of India’s football revolution.

FAQs

1. Which is the oldest football tournament in India?

The Durand Cup is the oldest football tournament in India, dating back to 1888.

2. What are some national football tournaments in India?

Some key national football tournaments in India include the ISL, I-League, Durand Cup, and Santosh Trophy.

3. Are there any open football tournaments in India?

Yes, tournaments like the Subroto Cup and Rovers Cup are open football tournaments in India, allowing wide participation.

4. What was the most recent football tournament in India?

In 2024–2025, the most recent events were the ISL final, Durand Cup, and Santosh Trophy.

5. How can I stay updated about upcoming football tournaments in India?

Visit 96in.com or download the 96in.com app for live updates, schedules, and football betting tips.

6. How can I access football betting through 96 bet?

Simply go to the 96 bet login page and create your account to explore football betting markets.