When do the French clubs start their European campaigns?
Among the seven Ligue 1 McDonald’s teams representing France in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League this season, OGC Nice is the first to start early August. The Aiglons have two qualifying rounds to pass to reach the group stage.
RC Strasbourg Alsace will be the second French club to begin, with the Conference League playoffs scheduled for August 21 and 28, 2025.
Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique de Marseille, and AS Monaco
Entry at the group stage
Draw: August 28, 2025
Starting from September 16-18, 2025
OGC Nice
Entry at the 3rd qualifying round (league path)
Home and away: vs Benfica (August 5-6 and 12-13 2025)
If they qualify, OGCN will play in the playoffs (draw on August 4), with the first leg on August 19-20 and second leg on August 26-27.
Europa League
LOSC Lille and Olympique Lyonnais
Entry at the group stage
Draw: August 29, 2025
Starting from September 24-25, 2025
Conference League
RC Strasbourg Alsace
Entry at playoffs (main path)
Draw: August 4, 2025
Home and away: August 21 and 28, 2025
If they qualify, RCSA will enter the group stage (draw on August 29).
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