Punjab FC head into the Indian Super League 2025/26 season with new belief, sharper ambition, and a squad that finally looks built to challenge at the very top. After an encouraging first half and a few impressive patches in the middle of last season, the Shers unfortunately failed to sustain momentum and ended the campaign in 10th place.
This time around, things feel different. With multiple quality signings across foreign and domestic departments, Punjab FC are quietly shaping up as one of the outright contenders for the ISL title.
Potential Starting XI [4-2-3-1]
At the back, Punjab FC appear to be trusting experience and local identity. New signing from Hyderabad FC and local lad Arshdeep Singh is expected to be handed the gloves, signaling the club’s confidence in building from within while maintaining long-term stability in goal.
In front of him, the defensive unit looks balanced and promising. Khaimin Lhungdim and new recruit Muhammed Uvais, signed from Jamshedpur FC, are likely to operate as the two full-backs, offering energy, recovery pace, and attacking support from wide areas.
The heart of Punjab’s defence could see an exciting partnership take shape. New signing Bijoy Varghese brings composure and physical presence, while academy graduate Pramveer Singh, who impressed consistently last season, adds aggression and confidence on the ball. This combination of experience and youth could be key as Punjab FC look to tighten up defensively, an area that cost them valuable points last season.
In midfield, Punjab FC have assembled a strong and tactically flexible core. New Bosnian signing Samir Zeljković is expected to add steel, discipline, and ball progression, partnering club captain Nikhil Prabhu, whose leadership and positional intelligence remain vital. Together, the duo will be responsible for controlling tempo, breaking opposition play, and providing a stable platform for the attackers to thrive.
Ahead of them, new Spanish signing Dani Ramírez is set to operate as the attacking midfielder. Known for his vision, close control, and ability to unlock defences, Ramírez could be the creative spark Punjab FC have often lacked in tight games. If he settles quickly, he might become the side’s primary chance creator and a nightmare for opposition midfields.
Punjab FC’s wide areas look electric on paper. On the right, club starboy and academy product Muhammad Suhail is expected to continue his rise after impressing everyone since his debut last season. His dribbling, work rate, and growing maturity make him one of the most exciting young Indian wingers in the ISL. On the left flank, new Nigerian signing Bede Amarachi Osuji adds raw pace, physicality, and unpredictability, qualities that could stretch defences and create space centrally.
Leading the attack will be another Nigerian recruit, Nsungusi Effiong, who is expected to shoulder the goal-scoring responsibility. With service from Ramírez, Suhail, and Osuji, Effiong will be crucial in converting chances and giving Punjab FC the cutting edge they often missed last season. His movement, strength, and finishing could define how far the Shers go in ISL 2025/26.
Conclusion
Punjab FC look locked and loaded to unleash their wrath this season. The blend of fearless youth, astute domestic additions, and purpose-driven foreign signings has given the Shers a spine strong enough to compete and a bite sharp enough to hurt anyone on their day. The squad now has balance, depth, and multiple match-winners across the pitch. If discipline, consistency, and momentum align, Punjab FC won’t just be dark horses anymore; they could be the roar that echoes through the league, announcing a genuine charge towards ISL glory.
