FFF announces National 1 groups for the 2026/27 season
The French Football Federation has unveiled the three groups for the National 1 division, featuring 48 clubs. The season kicks off on August 22.
48 équipes sont réunies dans les trois groupes de National 1 cette saison. (E. Garnier/L'Équipe)
The French Football Federation has officially confirmed the composition of the three groups for the National 1 (formerly National 2) for the 2026/2027 season. A total of 48 teams will participate in the competition, split into three distinct pools.
Group C is drawing significant attention as it features two of the most prestigious clubs in the league, Nîmes and Châteauroux. They will be joined by several clubs from the southeast, along with the reserve side of Troyes.
Group A primarily consists of clubs from northern and eastern France, including sides like Créteil, Épinal, Chambly, Haguenau, and Corsican teams. Group B is dominated by western clubs, such as Avranches, Granville, Les Herbiers, and the Lorient reserve team. Notably, Girondins de Bordeaux are not included following the confirmation of their exclusion from national championships.
The season is scheduled to begin on August 22 and will conclude on May 29, 2027. Each group will contain 16 teams, with 30 matchdays scheduled. Only the top team from each pool will earn promotion to Ligue 3.