First match of the new Ligue 1 season announced

The countdown to football’s return has begun. While the world’s eyes are fixed on the summer’s major tournaments, French top-flight football is preparing for a dramatic curtain-raiser.

The Ligue de Football Professionnel has finalised the fixtures for opening day, and the campaign will ignite with a mouthwatering clash at Stade Vélodrome. Olympique de Marseille will host Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace on Friday, 21 August at 20:45, promising an electric atmosphere from the first whistle.

Sunday night showdown kicks off the weekend

While not every club will enjoy an easy start—think RC Lens against AJ Auxerre, Le Havre AC versus AS Monaco, or Toulouse FC facing Olympique Lyonnais—the highlight of the opening weekend arrives on Sunday evening. Paris Saint-Germain will take on Stade Rennais F.C. in a high-stakes encounter that sets the tone for the title race.

Week two delivers more top-tier clashes

When the second round of fixtures lands, the stakes will be even higher. Football fans are already circling the calendar for standout duels such as Lille OSC versus PSG, RC Strasbourg versus RC Lens, and AS Monaco against Olympique de Marseille. A perfect start to the campaign on 30 August could see Marseille emerge as early title contenders.

The anticipation is building—mark your calendars and get ready for another thrilling Ligue 1 season.