2025-2026 Fixture list: How is it made?
Tune in at 12 noon on the social media accounts of Ligue 1 McDonald's and Ligue 2 BKT, as well as on the official app, to find out the first fixtures for the new 2025-2026 season. Before then, let's take a look at the process of putting together next season's fixtures...
Who puts the schedule together?
The LFP (Ligue de Football Professionnel), with the help of a scheduling optimisation software developed by the company Fastbreak. Several versions are produced (sometimes up to 100) before the most suitable one is submitted for approval by the LFP’s Board of Directors. Before that, the versions are gradually improved based on various constraints — stadium unavailability, security, broadcast programming (especially regarding European competitions), and the European calendar of French clubs. The aim is also to ensure that each "episode" (i.e. each matchday) of the league season is compelling.
How long does it take?
It takes around two months from the start of collecting club-submitted constraints to the delivery of the full match calendar in June. The general calendar — which outlines all the dates during which the league will run — is usually finalised as early as the previous November or December.
What format does the calendar follow?
Since summer 2014, the calendar has been asymmetrical, offering more flexibility and allowing more club requests to be met in terms of scheduling challenges. Before the 2014/2015 season, the calendar was symmetrical — meaning the order of opponents in the second half of the season mirrored the first (except for the opening fixture, which was repeated on the final day).
What rules does it follow?
Each club plays 8 or 9 home matches in the first half of the season (17 matches total), and the same in the second half.
Every club plays all others once in each half of the season.
Between 4 and 6 “pivots” maximum per season.
A “pivot” is when a club plays two consecutive home or away matches. No club is allowed to play three in a row at home or away.
No pivots allowed on Matchdays 1 & 2 or on Matchdays 33 & 34 — every club must play one match at home and one away during these periods.
Security-related restrictions are applied to certain fixtures, particularly regional or high-risk matchups.
Matchdays must be balanced both in sporting terms and in the quality of fixtures.
Anything else?
The calendar is drafted only after all stadium availability constraints are collected. These are increasing due to major sporting events and the multifunctional use of stadiums. Local events can also affect scheduling — for example, the Interceltic Festival in Lorient has impacted fixture planning in recent seasons. Scheduled stadium renovations and public order constraints (set by local prefectures and law enforcement availability) must also be taken into account.
Can clubs make requests?
Given the high number of constraints, only clubs qualified for European competitions are allowed to make requests to adjust their fixture schedule. This is due to the challenges posed by European match commitments. Supporting the European competitiveness of French clubs has been a top priority for LFP President Vincent Labrune since he took office.
What about organisation for European clubs?
Clubs in the Champions League are protected during weekends that precede European matchweeks:
Clubs playing on Tuesday in the UCL are usually scheduled on Friday in Ligue 1.
Clubs playing on Wednesday play on the previous Saturday in the league.
As for the weekends following European matches:
Clubs cannot play within two days of their last match.
Clubs that played on Wednesday in Europe cannot play on Friday.
Clubs that played on Thursday (Europa League or Conference League) must play on Sunday.
When a Ligue 1 matchday falls between two rounds of European matches, clubs in the Champions League never face clubs in the Europa League or Conference League, to ease scheduling pressures.
How are the biggest fixtures scheduled?
Certain high-profile fixtures are strategically placed on specific dates. The calendar is also designed to ensure each matchday is balanced — mixing blockbuster matches and others to maintain interest. The season is treated as a 34-episode series, and each episode must be thrilling.
Is there collaboration with other leagues?
Once the Ligue 1 calendar is finalised, it is shared with other professional sports leagues. There’s usually no coordination in advance, although exceptions are made in cases of significant constraints — such as this season, with Paris FC’s promotion to Ligue 1 McDonald’s. The club will play at the Stade Jean-Bouin, which is also used by rugby club Stade Français, adjacent to the Parc des Princes. The LFP aims to release its calendar early enough so that other sports can adjust accordingly.
Tune in at 12 noon on the social media accounts of Ligue 1 McDonald's and Ligue 2 BKT, as well as on the official app, to find out the first fixtures for the new 2025-2026 season.
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>>Ligue 1 McDonald's & Ligue 2 BKT: Fixtures to be revealed on 27th June
