Punjab FC have announced their 27-member squad for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, featuring ten academy graduates and five overseas players. The Shers will begin their fourth ISL campaign against Odisha FC on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
The squad, selected by newly appointed Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis, combines experienced Indian footballers, established international players and promising youngsters developed through the club’s academy system.
Punjab FC have retained 14 players from their previous ISL squad while introducing several new signings across defence, midfield and attack.
The inclusion of ten academy graduates, three more than the previous season, reflects the club’s continued emphasis on developing young Indian footballers and providing opportunities at the highest level of domestic competition.
Punjab FC ISL 2026-27 Squad – Full Players List
The announced squad features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and nine forwards.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers (3) | Arshdeep Singh, Muheet Shabir, Ayush Deshwal |
| Defenders (8) | Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ngarin Shaiza, Jephthe Patrick Gerard Bahanack, Mohammed Sohel Khan, Bijoy Varghese, Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei, Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal, Karish Soram |
| Midfielders (7) | Naravi Nikhil Jayantha Prabhu, Mickaël Ramon Vincent Malsa, Ricky John Shabong, Bishu Sharma, Laishram Rishikanta Meitei, Manglenthang Kipgen, Mohammad Inam |
| Forwards (9) | Raphaël Éric Messi Bouli, Diego Henrique Oliveira Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, Leon Augustine, Muhammad Suhail F, Bikash Singh Sagolsem, Konsam Sanathoi Singh, Vishal Yadav, Gurkirat Singh |
| Total Squad Strength | 27 Players |
| Academy Graduates | 10 |
| Foreign Players | 5 |
| Head Coach | Pavlos Dermitzakis |
| Opening Match | Punjab FC vs Odisha FC |
| Match Date | Wednesday, 14 October 2026 |
| Venue | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi |
The squad includes a mix of experienced players familiar with Indian football and younger footballers who have progressed through Punjab FC’s development structure.
Ten Academy Graduates Included in Punjab FC Squad
One of the major highlights of Punjab FC’s ISL 2026-27 squad announcement is the inclusion of ten academy graduates.
The number represents an increase of three players compared with the previous season.
Several youngsters earned their places following performances in age-group competitions and the recently concluded IFA Shield, where Punjab FC reached the semifinals.
The ten academy graduates included in the squad are:
- Ayush Deshwal
- Ngarin Shaiza
- Mohammed Sohel Khan
- Karish Soram
- Bishu Sharma
- Laishram Rishikanta Meitei
- Manglenthang Kipgen
- Muhammad Suhail F
- Vishal Yadav
- Konsam Sanathoi Singh
Goalkeeper Ayush Deshwal, midfielder Manglenthang Kipgen and forwards Muhammad Suhail F and Vishal Yadav were already part of the previous season’s squad.
They are joined by six additional academy graduates who have progressed into the senior setup.
Punjab FC’s decision to include these youngsters underlines the club’s intention to create a sustainable pathway from academy football to the Indian Super League.
Pavlos Dermitzakis Confident Ahead of New ISL Season
Greek coach Pavlos Dermitzakis begins his first Indian Super League season in charge of Punjab FC.
The head coach believes the squad has been assembled with a clear playing philosophy and the right balance between experience and emerging talent.
“This is a squad built with a clear idea of how we want to play, and I am very happy with the balance we have,” Dermitzakis said.
“We have experience in every department, players who know this club and the league, and ten young players from our academy who have earned their place through their work every single day.”
The coach also highlighted the importance of squad depth during a demanding league campaign.
“The ISL has a demanding schedule, and every player in this group will have a role to play. The players have prepared well, the hunger in the dressing room is there, and we are ready to begin,” he added.
With 14 players retained from the previous campaign, Dermitzakis will have an established core alongside new arrivals.
Punjab FC Foreign Players for ISL 2026-27
Punjab FC have included five overseas players in their squad for the upcoming Indian Super League season.
The foreign contingent consists of Patrick Bahanack, Mickaël Malsa, Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya and Raphaël Messi Bouli.
Bahanack adds another option in defence, while Malsa is expected to play an important role in midfield.
Raposo, Planas Moya and Messi Bouli provide attacking options for the new campaign.
Messi Bouli has already made a promising start to his Punjab FC career, registering three goals and three assists during the IFA Shield.
The club will be hoping that the forward can carry that form into the Indian Super League.
Raposo and Planas Moya have also shown encouraging form during the team’s preparations.
Arshdeep Singh Leads Punjab FC Goalkeeping Department
Punjab FC have retained all three goalkeepers from the previous season.
Experienced goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh will lead the department, supported by Muheet Shabir and academy graduate Ayush Deshwal.
The continuity in goalkeeping provides an established foundation for the defensive unit.
With the same three players available, the coaching staff will have familiar options as the team prepares for the new campaign.
Punjab FC Defensive Lineup for ISL 2026-27
The Shers have assembled a defensive unit featuring experienced Indian players, a foreign reinforcement and academy graduates.
Bijoy Varghese, Muhammed Uvais, Suresh Meitei and Khaiminthang Lhungdim are among the established options.
New signing Patrick Bahanack adds further experience to the defensive department.
Academy graduates Ngarin Shaiza, Mohammed Sohel Khan and Karish Soram complete the defensive lineup.
The combination gives Punjab FC several options as the team prepares for the challenges of a full league season.
Punjab FC Midfield: Nikhil Prabhu, Ricky Shabong and Mickaël Malsa
Punjab FC’s midfield combines established domestic players with international experience and young talent.
Mickaël Malsa and Manglenthang Kipgen are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s attacking transitions and midfield organisation.
Nikhil Prabhu, Ricky Shabong and new signing Mohammad Inam provide additional options in central areas.
Academy graduates Bishu Sharma and Laishram Rishikanta Meitei have also earned places in the senior squad.
Both players attracted attention through their performances during the IFA Shield.
Their inclusion gives Punjab FC more youthful options in midfield while strengthening the club’s player-development pathway.
Punjab FC Attacking Options: Messi Bouli, Muhammad Suhail and Gurkirat Singh
The attacking department features a combination of experienced overseas players and promising Indian forwards.
Raphaël Messi Bouli, Diego Raposo and Alfred Planas Moya are expected to provide important attacking contributions.
Muhammad Suhail F remains one of the club’s exciting young talents and will offer pace in wide areas.
Leon Augustine brings versatility and experience, while new signing Gurkirat Singh adds another option to the forward line.
Under-20 Indian international Vishal Yadav and academy graduate Konsam Sanathoi Singh will also compete for opportunities.
Bikash Singh Sagolsem completes the nine-member forward group.
With several options available, the coaching staff will be able to consider different attacking combinations throughout the season.
Punjab FC Coaching and Support Staff for ISL 2026-27
Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis will be supported by an experienced coaching and support team.
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Pavlos Dermitzakis
- Assistant Coach: Georgios Angelidis
- Indian Assistant Coach: Sankarlal Chakraborty
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Christos Vorgiatzidis
- Goalkeeping Coach: Vinay Singh
Support Staff
- Team Doctor: Sidak Dhillon
- Physiotherapist: Disharth Jain
- Team Manager: Kaustuv Kashyap
- Team Masseur: Ganesh Dalui
- Kit and Equipment Manager: Prashant Naidu
The coaching group will oversee preparations, player development and matchday responsibilities during the new season.
Punjab FC vs Odisha FC – ISL 2026-27 Opening Match
Punjab FC will begin their fourth Indian Super League campaign with a home fixture against Odisha FC on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
The match will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
The opening fixture will provide Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis with his first league opportunity to assess the squad in competitive action.
The Shers will be aiming to make a positive start as they introduce their new signings and academy graduates to the 2026-27 campaign.
For the young players promoted from the academy, the new season also presents an opportunity to establish themselves in India’s top-tier football competition.
Punjab FC Prepare for Fourth Indian Super League Campaign
Punjab FC enter the ISL 2026-27 season with a squad built around continuity, targeted recruitment and youth development.
The retention of 14 players provides stability, while five overseas footballers strengthen key positions across the pitch.
The inclusion of ten academy graduates is particularly significant as the club continues to invest in its long-term development structure.
With Pavlos Dermitzakis beginning his first season as head coach, Punjab FC will look to establish a competitive identity and improve as the campaign progresses.
The Shers begin their ISL 2026-27 journey against Odisha FC on 14 October 2026 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
Stay tuned to Kerala TV for Indian Super League 2026-27 squad announcements, football fixtures, team news, match schedules and live broadcast updates.
