Ligue 1 2026/27 is underway with another exciting season of French football. The new campaign brings together 18 clubs competing for the Ligue 1 title, European qualification and survival in France's top division.
The Ligue 1 McDonald's 2026/27 season officially began on August 21, 2026, and the final matchday is scheduled for May 29, 2027. Paris Saint-Germain enter the campaign as the defending French champions after another successful domestic season.
Ligue 1 2026/27 Teams
The 2026/27 Ligue 1 season features 18 clubs. The competition includes traditional French football powers such as Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique de Marseille, AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais, alongside ambitious clubs looking to compete for European football and establish themselves in the top flight.
- Angers SCO
- AJ Auxerre
- Stade Brestois 29
- Le Havre AC
- RC Lens
- LOSC Lille
- Lorient
- Olympique Lyonnais
- Le Mans FC
- Olympique de Marseille
- FC Metz
- AS Monaco
- FC Nantes
- OGC Nice
- Paris FC
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Stade Rennais FC
- ESTAC Troyes
PSG Defend the Ligue 1 Title
Paris Saint-Germain begin the 2026/27 campaign as defending Ligue 1 champions. PSG have established themselves as the dominant force in French domestic football and will once again be one of the main teams to watch throughout the season.
The champions opened their title defence at home against Stade Rennais on the opening matchday. PSG will also be competing on multiple fronts, making squad depth and consistency particularly important during the long campaign.
New Ligue 1 Teams for 2026/27
The new Ligue 1 season features promoted clubs returning to the French top flight. ESTAC Troyes and Le Mans FC are among the promoted sides preparing for the challenge of competing against France's strongest clubs.
ESTAC Troyes
Troyes return to Ligue 1 for the 2026/27 season. The club has already strengthened its squad ahead of the campaign, including the signing of Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach following his impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup performances.
Le Mans FC
Le Mans are also back in Ligue 1 after securing successive promotions. The club is preparing for its first Ligue 1 campaign since the 2009/10 season and has focused on maintaining continuity within the squad that achieved promotion.
Olympique Marseille and the Ligue 1 Title Race
Olympique de Marseille remain one of the biggest challengers to PSG in French football. Marseille started the 2026/27 Ligue 1 campaign at home against RC Strasbourg Alsace.
The club will be looking to challenge near the top of the table and compete for European qualification while attempting to close the gap on PSG.
AS Monaco and the European Race
AS Monaco are another important team in the Ligue 1 title and European qualification race. Monaco have regularly competed near the top of the French league and will be aiming for another strong campaign in 2026/27.
The club faces a demanding schedule throughout the season, with important domestic fixtures against PSG, Marseille, Lille and other leading Ligue 1 teams.
RC Lens and Lille in Ligue 1 2026/27
RC Lens and LOSC Lille enter the new campaign as two of the strongest teams outside the traditional PSG dominance. Both clubs are expected to compete for European places and could play an important role in the battle near the top of the Ligue 1 standings.
Lens also qualified directly for the league phase of the UEFA Champions League after finishing among the leading teams in the previous Ligue 1 campaign. Lille also secured direct Champions League qualification.
Ligue 1 2026/27 Fixtures
The official Ligue 1 2026/27 fixture schedule was released ahead of the new campaign. The season started on August 21, 2026, while the final matchday is scheduled for May 29, 2027.
The opening fixtures included Marseille vs Strasbourg, while defending champions PSG hosted Rennes. The second matchday already featured major fixtures, including Monaco vs Marseille and Lille vs PSG.
Key Ligue 1 Matches
The French league calendar contains several highly anticipated fixtures throughout the season. Matches involving PSG, Marseille, Monaco, Lyon, Lille and Lens are expected to attract significant attention from football fans.
Games between direct competitors can be particularly important because the final Ligue 1 standings determine the title winner, European qualification and relegation places.
Ligue 1 2026/27 Standings
The Ligue 1 standings are updated throughout the season as clubs collect points from their league matches. Teams compete for the championship, European places and their position in the final table.
Fans can follow the latest Ligue 1 table, results, fixtures, team form, top scorers and other statistics through the official competition information.
Ligue 1 Title Race 2026/27
The Ligue 1 title race 2026/27 will once again be one of the main stories of the French football season. PSG begin as the defending champions, but clubs such as Marseille, Monaco, Lille and Lens will be looking to challenge for the highest positions.
Consistency will be essential over the course of the campaign. Matches against direct rivals can have a major influence on the final league table, especially during the second half of the season.
European Football in Ligue 1
European qualification is another major objective for Ligue 1 clubs. France's position in the UEFA coefficient ranking means that several French clubs can compete in European competitions.
For the 2026/27 European campaign, PSG, RC Lens and Lille qualified directly for the Champions League league phase after finishing among the top positions in the previous Ligue 1 season.
The Relegation Battle
The bottom of the Ligue 1 table will also be closely watched throughout the 2026/27 season. Newly promoted clubs such as Troyes and Le Mans will be hoping to establish themselves in the top flight, while the established clubs will aim to avoid becoming involved in the relegation fight.
As the season progresses, every point can become increasingly important in the battle to remain in Ligue 1.
Follow Ligue 1 2026/27
The Ligue 1 2026/27 season promises another competitive campaign featuring PSG, Marseille, Monaco, Lyon, Lille, Lens and a number of ambitious clubs.
Follow the latest Ligue 1 fixtures, results, standings, scores, team news and major matches throughout the season to stay updated with everything happening in French football.
Ligue 1 2026/27 FAQs
How many teams are in Ligue 1 2026/27?
There are 18 clubs competing in Ligue 1 during the 2026/27 season.
Who are the defending Ligue 1 champions?
Paris Saint-Germain enter the 2026/27 season as the defending Ligue 1 champions. PSG won their 14th French league title in the previous campaign.
When did Ligue 1 2026/27 start?
The Ligue 1 2026/27 season began on August 21, 2026.
When does Ligue 1 2026/27 finish?
The final matchday of the 2026/27 Ligue 1 season is scheduled for May 29, 2027.
Which teams were promoted to Ligue 1?
ESTAC Troyes and Le Mans FC are among the clubs promoted to Ligue 1 for the 2026/27 campaign. Both clubs are preparing for the challenge of returning to France's top division.
Who are the main Ligue 1 title contenders?
Paris Saint-Germain are the defending champions and one of the main favourites, while Marseille, Monaco, Lille, Lens and other leading clubs will compete for the highest positions.
Where can fans follow Ligue 1 fixtures and results?
The official Ligue 1 website provides the latest fixtures, results, standings and competition information for the 2026/27 season.