I-League 3 To Be Held Across Four Cities; Manipur To Hosts Two Groups

IMPHAL — The I-League 3 2025–26 season gets underway today across four cities, with Manipur at the centre of the action as FC Raengdai and TRAU FC co-host two of the four groups at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium and the SAI Artificial Turf Ground in Takyel respectively — both venues open to the public free of charge. A total of 20 clubs, split into four groups of five, will compete in a single round-robin group stage before the top six advance to a centralised Final Round, where promotion to I-League 2 awaits the top two finishers.

Each group plays a single round-robin format, with every team meeting the others in the group once. At the conclusion of the group stage, the top team from each of the four groups, plus the two best second-placed teams across all groups, will qualify for the Final Round. The Final Round will be played in a centralised single round-robin format. The top two teams at the end of the Final Round will earn promotion to I-League 2 for the 2026–27 season — a significant incentive for sides like TRAU FC and KLASA FC, both of whom are returning to the fourth tier after relegation from I-League 2 in 2024–25.

20 clubs from all corners of India are ready to battle it out in the #ILeague3 ??

The new season begins on April 27. ??

More details ?? https://t.co/z9MlKdei1M#IndianFootball ?? pic.twitter.com/pTdTog9gQZ

— I-League 2 & 3 (@ILeague2and3) April 17, 2026

FC Raengdai, founded in 2022 and the host club for Group A, open their I-League campaign today at 9:00 AM against ARA FC at Khuman Lampak Stadium — a ground that has witnessed Manipur football's finest moments. Raengdai's group also includes Sikkim Brotherhood FC, Sunrise Club Orissa, and Mawlai Sport Club from Shillong.

TRAU FC — one of Manipur's most storied clubs and a former I-League 2 side — host Group B at the SAI Turf Ground in Takyel. Their campaign begins on April 28 at 9:00 AM against Mumbay Football Club, with Zinc Football Academy, Clube de Salgaocar, and Samaleshwari SC completing the group.

KLASA FC, also relegated from I-League 2 last season, are in Group C at the Mulna Football Stadium in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh. They open today at 9:00 AM against BLG–The Diamond Rock FC. Their group opponents include Chhaygaon FC, Citadel Godavari Legends FC, and Kuppuraj FC.

At a press conference at Hotel Imphal on the eve of the tournament, FC Raengdai President Dr. Gangmei Angam traced the club's rapid ascent from its founding in 2022 to the national stage, crediting the dedication of club members, officials, and players. He acknowledged the inspiration provided by NEROCA FC and TRAU FC's history in the top Indian leagues, and by KLASA FC's recent elevation to I-League 2. Dr. Angam made a direct appeal to civil societies and the wider public to ensure the safety of visiting teams throughout the competition, and urged football lovers across the state to come out and support the two home sides.

Coach Th. Joychandra said preparations were complete and expressed confidence in his squad's readiness, pointing to their championship wins in state and national competitions. He noted that while Raengdai is rooted in the Zeliangrong community, the club draws players from all communities in Manipur and has received broad popular support. He framed the AIFF's decision to award hosting rights to Manipur as recognition of the state's standing in Indian football — and as an opportunity to develop the sport and produce the next generation of professional players from the region.

All matches listed in Indian Standard Time (IST).

GROUP A  —  Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal

GROUP B  —  SAI Artificial Turf Ground, Takyel, Imphal

GROUP C  —  Mulna Football Stadium, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh

GROUP D  —  CSE Football Arena, Bengaluru (Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence)