Ligue 3 launches: when and where to watch the opening night | OneFootball

France’s third tier relaunches as Ligue 3 Betclic on Friday 7 August, opening with a full multiplex on Ligue 1+. The rebrand marks a professional era and a new broadcast home.

According to L'Équipe, all 18 clubs now operate under a new federal professional status, with video assistance introduced. Promotion play-offs will involve teams finishing third to sixth, and coaches can challenge certain refereeing decisions.

Every match will be shown on Ligue 1+, offering greater exposure than its previously anonymous YouTube coverage. After the opening multiplex, the weekly rhythm shifts to a Thursday night headline game and a Saturday afternoon multiplex.

On the pitch, SM Caen, reshaped by Mathieu Bodmer and Gaël Clichy, are among the favourites to reach Ligue 2. Amiens, Cannes and Versailles are also expected to mount strong bids.

Coverage begins at 20:15, with kick-offs at 20:45 across Ligue 1+ 2 to 10. The nine fixtures are FC Rouen v AS Cannes, SM Caen v Valenciennes FC, SC Bastia v Le Puy-en-Velay FC, VFC La Roche-sur-Yon v FC Versailles, US Concarneau v US Orléans LF, FC Fleury 91 v Amiens SC, Paris 13 Atletico v Quevilly Rouen Métropole, Football Bourg-Péronnas 01 v FC Villefranche Beaujolais, and SC Aubagne Air-Bel v US Thionville Lusitanos.

Source: L'Équipe

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