Shillong, July 16: Shillong football fans have under 10 days to wait for the start of the Shillong Premier League 2026, with reigning champions Langsning FC to kick off the defence of their title in the opening match on 25 July when they face Sawmer SCC.
The Shillong Sports Association announced the fixtures for the league today but with only the dates and kick-off times of the first seven matches confirmed.
The other eight teams in the SPL this year are Shillong Lajong FC, Mawlai SC, Nangkiew Irat SC, Rangdajied United FC, Laitkor SC, Mylliem SC, Nongkseh SSCC and Meghalaya Police (the latter two having gained promotion from the First Division 2025). Like last season, the SPL will be limited to a single leg with the team on top of the standings after 45 matches to be declared the champions.
The bottom two teams will be relegated to the 2027 First Division.The SSA will then hold the second edition of its Super Cup, featuring the top six SPL clubs. The champions and runners-up will get direct entry to the semifinals, while those placed third through sixth will battle it out in a set of playoffs to earn their spots in the semis.New Laws of the Game for 2026-27 will be applied to the SPL. These include the 10-second substitute rule, 5-second restart countdown and off-field injury protocol. Players can also be sent off with a red card if they cover their mouth when communicating with an opponent in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory manner.In order to professionalise the conduct of the league, clubs must register their players on the All India Football Federation’s Centralised Registration System. The head coach must also possess either an AFC A or B licence (or AIFF/national equivalent) or a Diploma in Sports Coaching from the National Institute of Sports.With a competitive 10-team field, the return of promoted sides Nongkseh SSCC and Meghalaya Police, and the introduction of several new Laws of the Game aimed at enhancing discipline and professionalism, the 2026 edition of the Shillong Premier League promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years. Defending champions Langsning will face stiff competition from traditional heavyweights Shillong Lajong, Mawlai, Rangdajied United and Nangkiew Irat, while the remaining clubs will be eager to spring surprises in the single-leg format where every point could prove decisive. With only 45 matches to determine the league champions and the added incentive of qualifying for the Super Cup, teams will have little margin for error throughout the campaign. The implementation of stricter coaching qualifications and mandatory player registration through the AIFF’s Centralised Registration System also marks another step towards raising the professional standards of domestic football in Meghalaya. As anticipation builds ahead of the opening whistle on July 25, football enthusiasts across the city can look forward to weeks of intense rivalry, emerging local talent and high-quality action, with the battle for the coveted Shillong Premier League crown expected to be fiercely contested until the final round of fixtures.
