The Tunisian Ligue 1 is set to undergo a significant change as the 2025-2026 season kicks off next weekend.
For the first time in recent years, the number of teams facing relegation to Ligue 2 will be increased, marking a pivotal shift in the league’s competitive structure.
Historically, only the bottom two teams in Ligue 1 have been relegated at the end of each campaign.
However, starting this season, the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has confirmed that three clubs will now face the drop to the second division.
This decision is aimed at intensifying the relegation battle while simultaneously opening up more opportunities for ambitious second-tier teams to ascend to the top flight.
The change, reported by Tunisian outlet Kawarji, aligns with the FTF’s broader strategy to enhance competitiveness across all tiers of Tunisian football.
By expanding the number of relegation slots, the Federation hopes to maintain heightened tension at both ends of the Ligue 1 table throughout the season.
Under the revised system, the bottom three teams in the Ligue 1 standings at the conclusion of the season will be relegated directly to Ligue 2.
In return, promotion dynamics from Ligue 2 will also be adjusted to reflect this change.
The champions of Groups A and B in the second division will earn automatic promotion to the elite division.
However, the allocation of the third promotion spot introduces an intriguing play-off format.
The teams finishing second and third in each of the two Ligue 2 groups will enter a mini play-off tournament.
The winner of this showdown will secure the coveted final place in Ligue 1, adding an extra layer of drama to the promotion race.
The FTF believes this new structure will inject fresh energy into the domestic league, offering more clubs a realistic shot at top-flight football.
By expanding the gateway to promotion and raising the stakes for survival, the Federation is striving to foster a more dynamic and merit-based league environment.
This development is expected to reshape the strategic approaches of both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs.
Teams in the top flight will need to be wary of the intensified relegation battle, while second-division sides now have a clearer, albeit challenging, path to promotion.
As Tunisia’s Ligue 1 prepares for its return, all eyes will be on how clubs adapt to a format that promises to heighten competition, increase unpredictability, and amplify the excitement for fans across the country.
