Tunisia: Sixteen clubs confirmed for 2025–2026 Ligue 1 season amid ongoing format talks

The Tunisian Football Federation has confirmed the 16 clubs that will compete in the country’s top-tier league during the 2025–2026 football season, with the new campaign expected to kick off on the weekend of 16 August.

Among the clubs returning to Tunisia’s elite competition are traditional heavyweights such as Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Club Africain, and Étoile Sportive du Sahel.

These powerhouses will be joined by a mix of consistent contenders and newly promoted sides, making for a diverse and potentially competitive lineup.

The full list of clubs competing in the upcoming Ligue 1 season includes:

• Espérance Sportive de Tunis
• Union Sportive Monastirienne
• Étoile Sportive du Sahel
• Club Africain
• Espérance Sportive de Zarzis
• Stade Tunisien
• Club Sportif Sfaxien
• Espérance Sportive de Métlaoui
• Club Athlétique Bizertin
• Avenir Sportif de Soliman
• Union Sportive de Ben Guerdane
• Olympique Béja
• Avenir Sportif de Gabès
• Jeunesse Sportive d’Omrane
• Avenir Sportif de La Marsa
• Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise

While the start date for the season has been tentatively scheduled, discussions are set to begin this summer regarding the final competition format.

The federation is considering whether to maintain a single-table league or revert to a two-group structure featuring a playoff and playout system—a model previously used to heighten competitive balance and manage fixture congestion.

The debate around the format remains a key issue for club managers and federation officials alike, as it will influence preparation, squad rotation, and financial planning.

The league’s structure can also have an impact on youth development, television broadcasting, and fan engagement, making the upcoming talks crucial for the future of Tunisian domestic football.

With anticipation already building, clubs are expected to begin their pre-season preparations in the coming weeks, aiming to fine-tune squads and strengthen rosters.

Supporters across the country will be eager to see how their teams shape up ahead of what promises to be a season filled with intense rivalries, passionate support, and a renewed push for domestic glory.

As the countdown to kick-off begins, all eyes now turn to the Tunisian Football Federation’s summer deliberations, which will determine the shape and rhythm of the 2025–2026 Ligue 1 season.