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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Sports Desk • Soccer

Ligue 2

Ligue 2 is the second division of professional football in France.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Ligue 2 is France's second-tier professional men's football league. It operates alongside Ligue 1 under the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP).

History

Ligue 2 traces its origins to 1933, when it was created as Division 2, one year after the formation of the French first division. It later adopted the Ligue 2 name and has remained France’s second tier since then.

Format

The league currently features 18 clubs playing a double round-robin schedule for 34 matches each season. Teams are ranked by points, with promotion and relegation determining movement between divisions.

Promotion and relegation

The best-placed clubs move up to Ligue 1, while the lowest-placed clubs move down to the third tier. Current sources also describe playoff matches connected to promotion and relegation.

In short

  • Second-tier French men's football league.
  • 18 clubs compete each season.
  • 34-match double round-robin schedule.
  • Promotion to Ligue 1, relegation to third tier.
Canadian angle

Canadian readers may know Ligue 2 as a major European feeder league that develops players and clubs for higher-profile competitions, including Ligue 1 and other international leagues.

Quick questions

What is Ligue 2?
Ligue 2 is France’s second-tier professional men’s football league.
How many teams play in Ligue 2?
Ligue 2 is currently contested by 18 clubs.
Who runs Ligue 2?
It is organised by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP).

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligue_2
    Supports: Founding year, league level, organisation by LFP, 18 clubs, promotion/relegation, season structure, sponsorship name
  2. SportMonkshttps://www.sportmonks.com/glossary/french-league-2/
    Supports: 18 clubs, 34-match format, points system, promotion and relegation structure
  3. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligue_2
    Supports: Second division status, 18 clubs, promotion/relegation
  4. Wikipedia (Polish)https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligue_2
    Supports: Founded in 1933, LFP administration, historical naming