I-League 3 (2026–27)

Football Pyramid Classification: Tier 1 • National Apex

Pyramid Significance: National championship tier providing elite scouting visibility for National Teams and professional clubs.

Organised by: the All India Football Federation (AIFF) | Location: India

The I-League 3, officially sanctioned by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), serves as the 4th tier of the Indian Men's football league system for the 2026-27 season. Operating as the premier national gateway for champions and top nominees of State Premier Leagues across India, this open-age championship bridges state-level grassroots competition with the national professional pyramid under the AIFF's Vision 2047 roadmap. Competing in the I-League 3 carries significant prestige for participating clubs and athletes. The tournament provides clubs with the direct opportunity to secure promotion into I-League 2 (Tier 3), establishing an authentic merit-based sporting pathway into the senior professional tiers (I-League and Indian Super League). For aspiring players, every fixture represents a high-stakes proving ground where tactical discipline, physical intensity, and technical skill are tested against top regional talent from across the country. The 2026-27 I-League 3 unfolds through a structured group-stage and playoff format. Nominated state champions and playoff qualifiers first navigate rigorous group fixtures across centralized host venues, where points and consistency dictate advancement. Top-ranking squads subsequently battle through high-stakes knockout and final playoff rounds, with the highest-placed teams earning coveted promotion berths to the AIFF I-League 2. Beyond regional bragging rights, the I-League 3 is a vital talent identification stage for national scouts, I-League, and ISL clubs. Verified match performance logs, player statistics, and match tracking on ProPlayerPage provide scouts and national technical directors with verified data, creating clear career advancement pathways for India's next generation of football stars.

Participating Teams & Squad Rosters (19)

Match Schedule & Results