Explained: ISL 2022-23 playoffs qualification scenarios - All you need to know

The Indian Super League 2022-23 season has been a riveting affair so far. While on one hand, Mumbai City FC have been the multiple record-breaking sensation, showcasing an almost invincible domination in the league stage, five teams are currently involved in the scrap to make the playoffs.

The ISL 2022-23 playoffs format is slightly different compared to previous years. For the first time in Indian Super League history, six teams will make the playoffs. 

The top two teams at the end of the league stage directly qualify for the semi-finals. Mumbai City FC, the confirmed ISL 2022-23 shield winners, along with Hyderabad FC have already sealed those spots in the semis.

Meanwhile, before the semis, two single-leg knockout matches will be played, where the third and fourth-placed teams in this season’s points table will take on the sixth and fifth-placed teams, respectively. The winners of both knockouts will advance to the semi-finals.

ISL 2022-23 playoffs qualification scenarios

ATK Mohun Bagan

ATK Mohun Bagan have qualified for the ISL 2022-23 playoffs after a victory against Kerala Blasters. They have a better goal difference than both teams - Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC - currently underneath them in the points table. Now the Mariners have to beat East Bengal as well to confirm a place in the top four. 

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC ended Mumbai City FC’s unbeaten run in ISL 2022-23, beating them 2-1 in their penultimate home game of the league stage. They also made the playoffs after FC Goa's defeat to Chennaiyin FC.

Now, in their last league game of the season against FC Goa at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Sunil Chettri and Co. will aim to confirm a top four spot. With the Gaurs also still in the playoffs reckoning, you can rest assured that the Blues still have lots to do to guarantee a top 6 spot.

Kerala Blasters

The Blasters have qualified for the playoffs ahead of their final league match. To confirm a top-four spot, which will give them the advantage of playing the one-off knockout game at home in their bid to qualify for the semis, Blasters must defeat Hyderabad FC and hope for Bengaluru to drop points. 

Odisha FC

Odisha FC suffered a 0-2 loss against Jamshedpur FC in their final league stage match. The defeat leaves their fate to the result to the Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa match.

If FC Goa win, the Gaurs will make the playoffs on superior goal difference. However, any other result guarantees a playoffs spot for Josep Gombau's men. 

FC Goa

FC Goa's playoffs fate is in their own hands. The loss to Chennaiyin FC put the Gaurs in a precarious situation ahead of their final league game against Bengaluru FC.

Goa need to win against Bengaluru to make the top six. After Odisha FC's defeat against Jamshedpur FC, a win for the Gaurs in their final league match will take them to sixth in the points table, thanks to their superior goal difference.

Photo credits: Alamy