New international requirements shape the domestic calendar
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has confirmed the key dates for the 2025/26 Ligue 1 McDonald’s season.
The upcoming season will be impacted by new international requirements that will affect the organization of domestic competitions. The FIFA Club World Cup will conclude on July 13, 2025, while the FIFA World Cup will require players to be available from May 25, 2026.
The 2025/26 Ligue 1 McDonald’s season will kick off on the weekend of August 15-17, 2025.
One matchday, Matchday 10, will be scheduled on a weekday, taking place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Matchday 16, scheduled for the weekend of December 12-14, 2025, will be the last matchday of the 2025 calendar year. The season will resume with Matchday 17 on the weekend of January 2-4, 2026.
The shift in the international break in March will cause a shift in the dates of UEFA’s club competitions’ last-16 ties, resulting in a busy end to the season.
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Consequently, no alternative match dates will be available to clubs involved in European competitions from March 2026 onwards, except for one date between Matchdays 33 and 34 of the Ligue 1 McDonald’s season. The final matchday, Matchday 34, will take place on May 16, 2026.
The LFP’s Board of Directors has carefully planned the season’s calendar, taking into account the new international requirements.
The board’s decision aims to ensure a smooth and successful season for all participating teams. With the key dates confirmed, teams can now plan and prepare for the upcoming season. The 2025/26 Ligue 1 McDonald’s season promises to be an exciting and competitive campaign, with top teams vying for the championship title.
The busy end to the season will undoubtedly pose challenges for teams competing in European competitions.
However, the additional date between Matchdays 33 and 34 will provide some flexibility for teams to manage their schedules.
As the season approaches, teams will be preparing to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With the confirmed calendar, fans can look forward to an thrilling season of Ligue 1 McDonald’s football.
