The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region government announced at a press conference on May 8 that the 2026 Inner Mongolia Football Super League, set to kick off on May 15, will feature 12 teams with a total of 527 registered players.
According to Du Bojun, Director of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Sports Bureau, among the 12 teams, 286 players are students from high schools and universities, accounting for 54% of the total. These young players represent a key force and the future foundation for the revitalization and development of football in Inner Mongolia. Through competitive experience in the league, they will continue to build a reserve of talent for the long-term growth of the sport.
The 2026 league also includes 135 amateur players and 106 players who also work as coaches. The amateur participants range from herders living on the grasslands to frontline workers and teachers.
This year’s league schedule has been extended compared to last year, with more matches. The competition is divided into two phases: the regular season and the knockout stage. The regular season runs from May 15 to July 26, with the 12 teams representing different leagues and cities playing a single round-robin home-and-away format. The top eight teams will advance to the knockout stage, which takes place from August 1 to September 12. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played in two-legged home-and-away ties, while the final will be a single-match decider.
