Ligue 1: 2026–2027 calendar reorganised due to World Cup
The 2026–2027 Ligue 1 calendar has been unveiled © AS Monaco
The French Professional Football League has revealed an unprecedented schedule for next season, marked by major adjustments linked to the World Cup.
A delayed kick-off
The 2026–2027 French league campaign will begin one week later than usual, on the weekend of 23 August, due to the World Cup being held over the summer. The change forms part of a broader overhaul of the calendar designed to ease the pace of competitions and protect players’ physical wellbeing.
Merged breaks, freed-up weeks
The autumn international windows have been reorganised. The September and October breaks have now been merged into a single window, running from 21 September to 7 October, while the November break remains unchanged. Another major change: no midweek fixtures will be scheduled at any point during the season, giving clubs a strictly weekly rhythm of play.
A final sprint in May
The last matchday of the calendar year will take place on 13 December, with play resuming on 3 January for matchday 15. The March international break keeps its usual slot, from 22 to 31 March. The 34th and final round of the championship will be held on Saturday 29 May 2027, bringing a very unusual season to a close.
The Trophée des Champions — pitting the 2026 French champions against the winners of the Coupe de France — will kick off on 15 August 2026. As for the Coupe de France schedule, it will be set during the FFF Executive Committee meeting on 12 December to complete this season’s unique calendar.