Ligue 1 returns on Sunday, 23 August 2026 and runs through to 29 May 2027, opening with champions Paris Saint-Germain hosting Rennes. PSG go into the season chasing a sixth consecutive title as the reigning French and European champions.
PSG's quest for a sixth straight title
PSG's dominance of French football shows no sign of slowing, but Lens pushed them closest last season, finishing runners-up just six points back while also winning the Coupe de France — genuine momentum heading into 2026/27. Marseille, Monaco and Lyon are all expected to compete for the Champions League places below PSG, though closing the gap on a treble-winning side is a different proposition entirely.
Promoted clubs: Troyes and Le Mans
Troyes return to Ligue 1 just three years after relegation, and made one of the summer's eye-catching promoted-club signings in Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach from Melbourne City, fresh off a standout 2026 World Cup for the Socceroos. Le Mans are back in the top flight for the first time since 2009/10 after an extraordinary rise under coach Patrick Videira — their first match back is away at Brest, and the club's 25,000-capacity Marie-Marvingt stadium will host Ligue 1 football for the very first time.
Monaco and Lyon's continental ambitions
Both Monaco and Lyon go into the season looking to re-establish themselves as regular Champions League and Europa League participants after inconsistent recent campaigns. Monaco in particular have leaned on the club's long-standing reputation for developing and reselling young talent, while Lyon are trying to build a settled squad capable of competing on both the domestic and European fronts at the same time.
Opening weekend
Beyond the PSG-Rennes curtain-raiser, Marseille host Strasbourg in another headline fixture of the first round.
Storylines to watch
- Can Lens turn last season's near-miss and cup win into a genuine title challenge?
- How do Troyes and Le Mans fare on their returns to the top flight after long absences?
- Which of Marseille, Monaco and Lyon secures the Champions League places behind PSG?
- Can Le Mans' new 25,000-capacity stadium give them a genuine home advantage in year one?
Catch every goal from the new season in our Ligue 1 highlights, and see how France's rising stars fared at the World Cup in our 2026 World Cup recap.
For official fixtures and results, see the Ligue 1 official site.
FAQ
When does Ligue 1 2026/27 start?
Sunday, 23 August 2026, running through to 29 May 2027.
How many titles in a row are PSG chasing?
A sixth consecutive Ligue 1 title, as reigning French and European champions.
Which clubs were promoted to Ligue 1 for 2026/27?
Troyes (back after three years) and Le Mans (back for the first time since 2009/10).
Who finished as Ligue 1 runners-up last season?
Lens, six points behind PSG, while also winning the Coupe de France.
Who else is competing for European places in Ligue 1?
Marseille, Monaco and Lyon are all expected to challenge for the Champions League and Europa League qualification spots below PSG and Lens.