Kolkata/Bengaluru, February 26, 2026: East Bengal FC will take on Jamshedpur FC as both teams look to secure a third consecutive victory in the 16th match of the 2025-26 Indian Super League season on Friday, February 27 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The match is scheduled to start at 17:00 IST. In the second match of the day, Bengaluru FC will host Punjab FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30 IST on Friday.
Both matches will be broadcast live on FanCode and broadcast on Sony Sports Ten 2.
East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC
East Bengal FC come into the match at the top of the table after a resounding 4-1 win against Sporting Club Delhi in their previous match. Goals from Edmund Lalrindika, Miguel Figueira and a brace from Youssef Ezzejjari ensured a comfortable victory for the Red and Gold Brigades.
With East Bengal and Jamshedpur tied on six points from their first two games, the winners of this clash will move to the top of the table temporarily.
Speaking about the need to maintain their winning form and the weight of local expectations, East Bengal FC coach Oscar Bruzón highlighted his team’s concentration. “The most important objective is to secure the three points, but we will do it our way, respecting our pattern of play and performing at our highest level. Jamshedpur are strong in transitions, dangerous in set pieces and very well organized, so we must remain focused and disciplined for the full 90 minutes.”
East Bengal midfielder Saul Crespo said: “They are a strong team. We know some of their players and their quality. We also know their coach. It will be a difficult game, but we are confident as a team this season. We started very well. We are in a great moment and we want to continue in the same way with the help of the fans.”
Jamshedpur FC, meanwhile, arrive in Kolkata sitting behind the hosts in fourth place with six points, separated only by goal difference. The Men of Steel claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Punjab FC in their last game, thanks to a 78th-minute goal from Vincy Barretto, their second clean sheet in a row. Their goal will be to maintain this defensive organization against their opponents, who have started the season brilliantly on the attacking front.
Recognizing the local support of East Bengal fans in VYBK and the need to convert defensive resilience into real points, Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle sees pressing as a vital development tool for his team.
“It’s a huge game in Kolkata against East Bengal. It’s a fantastic club with a proud history and a big investment this season. Oscar Bruzón is a good friend and an excellent coach, but during the game we will both do everything we can to win. They have quality, with strong Indian internationals and talented foreigners. We must do our best to compete and try to get the three points,” Coyle said.
“It’s not always about scoring three or four goals; it’s about discipline, hard work and getting the result. Six points from two games with two clean sheets shows the character and commitment of this group,” said Coyle.
Jamshedpur midfielder Pronay Halder said: “The morale within our dressing room is extremely high. We believe in each other, we trust our coaching staff and we are united as a team. If we continue with this mentality and fighting spirit, we can achieve something special this season.”
East Bengal will look to control the pace in front of their home fans, while Jamshedpur will try to stay compact and take advantage of the transitions. With three important points to win, the match promises to be an interesting duel.
Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC
Bengaluru FC returns to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium looking to bounce back and win after a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC. Despite taking an early lead thanks to a goal from Braian Sánchez in the 20th minute, the Blues were held back by a brilliant goal from Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia.
Reflecting on his team’s return to Bengaluru and the tactical adjustments needed to maintain their form, Bengaluru FC head coach Renedy Singh highlighted the importance of maintaining intensity. “We need to have more control with the ball and create more chances in the final third,” he said. “If we are consistent in defense and maintain the same intensity during the 90 minutes, we will be closer to winning games.”
Bengaluru FC midfielder Lalremtluanga Fanai said: “The intensity has to be absolutely high as per the style of play adopted by the coach. My job is to help the defenders and initiate the attack at the same time. I am absolutely enjoying this dual role. I get great support from my teammates when the situation is challenging.”
Punjab FC travel to Bengaluru after suffering a setback in their first match against Jamshedpur, which they lost 0-1. Known for their organized structure, Punjab held firm for much of their last match before conceding a goal in the 78th minute. It will give them confidence to beat their opponents in the group stage of the AIFF Super Cup. Punjab FC have a better head-to-head record against Bengaluru, winning two matches and drawing one, while Bengaluru have one win to their name.
Speaking about the match, Punjab FC coach Panagiotis Dilmperis emphasized the challenge ahead: “Bengaluru, with a new Indian coach, is playing differently this season. They can adapt between offensive and defensive styles. But we must focus on our own pace and style of play. We are building a clear identity and a specific style of play. With patience and hard work, we will continue to get stronger with each match.”
Punjab FC captain Dani Ramirez said: “This is a short league and we can’t afford too many mistakes. But that also makes it exciting. If we get a good winning streak, we can quickly rise to the top of the table. We are calm, confident and united as a group, and we absolutely believe we can fight to become champions.”
Bengaluru FC will look to impose themselves at home by maintaining pressure and showing greater ruthlessness in front of goal, while Shers will try to stay compact and execute their game plan with discipline.