Bengaluru FC kick off 2026-27 ISL pre-season with two new signings
Synopsis
Bengaluru FC have opened their 2026-27 ISL pre-season with two new foreign signings and a Ballari training camp on the horizon. For coach Pep Munoz, this is his first real shot at shaping the Blues from day one — and after a fourth-place finish built on just six games, the full pre-season could be the difference between a title tilt and another mid-table campaign.
Key Takeaways
Bengaluru FC have begun pre-season training for the 2026-27 ISL season as of 24 July .
New signings include Spanish midfielder Borja Martinez and Portuguese defender Sandro Embalo , pending visa clearance.
Head coach Pep Munoz guided the Blues to a fourth-place finish in 2025-26 after taking over mid-season, recording 2 wins, 3 draws, 1 defeat .
The squad will attend a training camp at the Inspire Institute of Sport, Ballari from 27 to 30 July .
Director of Football Darren Caldeira emphasised the importance of the extended pre-season for fitness and squad cohesion.
Bengaluru FC have launched their pre-season preparations for the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign, with head coach Pep Munoz set to lead the club through his first full season at the helm after taking charge midway through the previous edition.
New Additions to the Squad
The Blues have bolstered their ranks with two overseas recruits — Spanish midfielder Borja Martinez and Portuguese defender Sandro Embalo. Both players are expected to join the main group in Bengaluru once visa formalities are completed. Their arrivals signal the club's intent to add technical quality and defensive depth ahead of a campaign in which Munoz will have the advantage of a full pre-season to implement his ideas.
Munoz Sets the Tone
Munoz, who guided Bengaluru FC to a fourth-place finish in the 2025-26 ISL season after taking over in its latter stages, is optimistic about what a complete pre-season can unlock. Under his stewardship last term, the Blues registered two wins, three draws, and one defeat — a promising return given the limited preparation time available.
'It's exciting, as it's a full season this time, and we can truly maximise the potential of the squad. I am really looking forward to what the season holds for us,' said Munoz.
Ballari Training Camp Planned
As part of the pre-season schedule, Bengaluru FC will travel to the Inspire Institute of Sport in Ballari for a training camp from 27 to 30 July. The camp will feature high-intensity physical assessments and fitness tests designed to establish a baseline before competitive preparations intensify.
What the Club Management Said
Director of Football Darren Caldeira underlined the value of an extended build-up period, noting that last season's condensed format left little room for squad cohesion to develop.
'After a short ISL campaign last season, getting back for pre-season at this stage is important for the squad. It gives the players the time they need to regroup, build fitness, and prepare properly for the challenges ahead. A strong pre-season lays the foundation for the season, allowing the team to be fully ready when the first game arrives,' said Caldeira.
What to Watch
With Munoz now commanding a full pre-season, the key question is whether Bengaluru FC can translate their late-season momentum into a sustained title challenge. The integration of Martinez and Embalo will be closely watched, as will the fitness outputs from the Ballari camp. The club's fourth-place finish last season leaves them with ground to make up on the ISL's top sides, and this pre-season window could prove decisive in closing that gap.
Point of View
But the subtext matters: Munoz inherits a squad that showed genuine promise across just six games, and the club is now betting that a full pre-season will convert that promise into silverware. The signings of Martinez and Embalo are modest in number but pointed in profile — a midfielder and a defender, addressing the structural gaps that a mid-season appointment rarely has time to fix. The real test will come once the ISL fixture list begins; fourth place is not where Bengaluru FC's history or fanbase expects the club to settle.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Bengaluru FC's new signings for the 2026-27 ISL season?
Bengaluru FC have signed Spanish midfielder Borja Martinez and Portuguese defender Sandro Embalo ahead of the 2026-27 ISL campaign. Both players are expected to join the squad in Bengaluru after completing visa formalities.
Who is Bengaluru FC's head coach for the 2026-27 ISL season?
Pep Munoz is the head coach of Bengaluru FC for the 2026-27 ISL season. He took charge midway through the 2025-26 campaign and guided the club to a fourth-place finish, recording two wins, three draws, and one defeat.
Where will Bengaluru FC hold their pre-season training camp?
Bengaluru FC will travel to the Inspire Institute of Sport in Ballari for a pre-season camp from 27 to 30 July. Players will undergo high-intensity physical assessments and fitness tests during the camp.
How did Bengaluru FC perform in the 2025-26 ISL season?
Bengaluru FC finished fourth in the 2025-26 ISL season under Pep Munoz, who took over during the latter stages of the campaign. The club recorded two wins, three draws, and one defeat under his management.
Why is the pre-season important for Bengaluru FC this year?
This is Pep Munoz's first full pre-season as Bengaluru FC head coach, giving him the opportunity to build fitness, cohesion, and tactical clarity from the ground up. Director of Football Darren Caldeira noted that the previous season's condensed format limited preparation time, making this extended window especially valuable.
