In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025–26 I-League 2 season, Delhi Football Club were crowned champions and secured promotion to the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against United SC at the Kalyani Stadium in West Bengal. The result capped a consistent campaign and marked Delhi FC’s immediate return to the second tier of Indian football.
Chasing a decisive result, Delhi found themselves trailing after United SC’s Susovan Ghosh headed home in the 54th minute. But Delhi showed resilience when league top scorer Himanshu Jangra converted a well-worked chance in the 67th minute to level the score and keep their promotion aspirations alive. The draw ultimately proved enough for Delhi to finish top of the standings.
Joining Delhi FC in promotion is FC Bengaluru United, who sealed their spot in the IFL after an entertaining 1-1 draw with GMSC at the Neville D’Souza Ground in Mumbai. Bengaluru United took an early lead through Lijo K’s fourth-minute header, only for GMSC substitute Shravan Shetty to equalise shortly after halftime. Both clubs finished the season on 15 points, but Bengaluru United edged United SC on goal difference to secure the runners-up spot and the second promotion place.
The final day also carried drama at the bottom of the table. GMSC, who had entered the matchday in a relegation position, managed to lift themselves above the drop zone thanks to the point gained and a superior head-to-head record, ensuring their stay in I-League 2. Meanwhile, long-standing aspirations of United SC to return to the second tier were extended after missing out on promotion once again.
Both Delhi FC and FC Bengaluru United now look ahead to the challenges of the Indian Football League, where they will aim to continue their upward trajectory and establish themselves more firmly in India’s competitive football pyramid.
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