National 1
National 1 is the third tier of French football, serving as the primary gateway to Ligue 2. It features 20 clubs competing in a double round-robin format across 38 rounds, with promotion to Ligue 2 and relegation to National 2. Rebranded to National 1 in 2020, the league is known for developing emerging talent and for competitive campaigns across the country.
⚡ Balanced tactical approaches with emphasis on promotion battles and developing players.
📌 Notable Facts
- Rebranded to National 1 in 2020.
- Season structure features 20 clubs playing 38 matches each.
- Mix of professional and semi-professional clubs from across France.
📊 League Table
| # | Team | M | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | 11 | 9 | 2 | +15 | 42 | |
| 2 | 21 | 11 | 9 | 1 | +21 | 42 | |
| 3 | 22 | 12 | 6 | 4 | +19 | 42 | |
| 4 | 21 | 11 | 3 | 7 | +7 | 36 | |
| 5 | 22 | 10 | 5 | 7 | -3 | 35 | |
| 6 | 22 | 8 | 8 | 6 | +7 | 32 | |
| 7 | 21 | 8 | 7 | 6 | +5 | 31 | |
| 8 | 21 | 7 | 8 | 6 | +2 | 29 | |
| 9 | 21 | 7 | 7 | 7 | -1 | 28 | |
| 10 | 22 | 7 | 5 | 10 | -7 | 26 | |
| 11 | 22 | 5 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 26 | |
| 12 | 22 | 6 | 8 | 8 | -7 | 26 | |
| 13 | 22 | 7 | 4 | 11 | -9 | 25 | |
| 14 | 21 | 3 | 10 | 8 | -7 | 19 | |
| 15 | 21 | 4 | 6 | 11 | -11 | 18 | |
| 16 | 22 | 4 | 6 | 12 | -15 | 18 | |
| 17 | 21 | 2 | 8 | 11 | -16 | 14 |
Champions / European Qualification
Relegation Zone
National 1
National 1, officially the Championnat National, is France's third tier in the football pyramid. It sits beneath Ligue 2 and above the regional National 2, acting as a crucial bridge between aspiring clubs and the professional ranks. The league typically features around 18 teams who compete in a double round-robin, facing each other home and away to build a demanding, promotion-focused campaign. The top clubs earn promotion to Ligue 2, while the bottom sides descend to National 2. The season usually runs from August through May, with a packed schedule that tests depth, resilience, and strategic planning. National 1 is known for tactical balance: clubs blend compact defenses with quick transitions, smart recruitment, and a willingness to develop youth players. It also serves as a showcase for upcoming talents who later rise to Ligue 2 or higher, often through standout performances in cup ties. Notable histories include clubs that have risen to Ligue 1 in later years and players who break through from reserve squads to senior squads on a national stage. The league's format, competitive parity, and strong local derbies keep fans glued, making National 1 a fertile ground for promotion battles, scouting, and player development.
