The 34th day of the Ligue 1 football championship takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026. From qualifying for the Champions League to the play-off place, ICI takes stock of the stakes of this final day of the championship. While PSG, crowned French champions for the 14th time in their history last Wednesday, faces Paris FC in the Jean-Bouin derby, the 34th day of Ligue 1 football on Sunday, May 17, promises twists and turns with many uncertainties for both the European places and the play-off place. ICI reviews the stakes of this final day of the championship.
Lille holds its destiny in its hands
Behind Paris Saint-Germain and RC Lens, three clubs are still in the running to grab the third and final place in the Ligue 1 championship, directly qualifying for the Champions League: Lille (3rd, 61 points), Lyon (4th, 60 points), and Rennes (5th, 59 points). Undefeated since February 1, with thirteen matches without defeat, the Lille players are the only ones with the cards in hand to secure this third place. If LOSC wins against play-off team Auxerre, they cannot be caught. The northern club is guaranteed at least fifth place in Ligue 1, synonymous with the Europa League. On their part, Lyon players await a misstep by Lille while hosting Lens. If they win against the Sang et Or, who will surely have their minds on their Coupe de France final against Nice next week, they can secure at least a Champions League preliminary round.
Marseille-Rennes, woe unto the loser
The clash at the Vélodrome between OM and Rennes could cost the loser dearly. If they avoid defeat, Stade Rennais is assured of playing in the Europa League, or even better with a victory. But a loss could send them to the much less prestigious and lucrative Europa Conference League. Marseille, following a season full of sporting and non-sporting twists, must achieve better than their 6th place. But a setback could even undo everything in Marseille: Monaco, seventh and two points behind OM, could overtake the Olympians and eliminate them from the European places with a victory against Strasbourg.
The play-off place for Le Havre, Auxerre, or Nice
While Metz and Nantes have already been relegated to Ligue 2 next season, three clubs will fight to escape the play-off place: Le Havre (14th, 32 points), Auxerre (15th, 31 points), and Nice (16th, 31 points). Despite a quick goal from Sofiane Diop (2-1), Auxerre dominated Nice last week, buying itself some time, but they will unfortunately have to travel to Lille. Paradoxically, the current play-off team, Nice, seems well positioned to survive. The Niçois host Metz, the bottom team of the championship, who haven’t won a match since November. Le Havre travels to Lorient (9th), a consistently solid club. The Normans could pay the price for a victory by both their relegation rivals, after a long continuous slide: Le Havre has not won since early February, against Strasbourg.
[Context: The article provides an overview of the stakes and scenarios for the final day of the Ligue 1 championship in 2026, including battles for Champions League places and relegation fears.]
[Fact Check: The translation accurately captures the key information and details regarding the important matches and possible outcomes on the final day of the Ligue 1 season.]
