France · Tier 2 · 18 clubs
Ligue 2
In US-sports termsFrance's second tier — the proving ground where historic port cities and ambitious projects battle up toward Ligue 1.
What it is
France's second division — 18 clubs, including regularly some of the country's most storied names on rebuilding arcs.
How you get in
Relegated from Ligue 1 or promoted from the Championnat National.
What it feeds
Top 2 up automatically; a playoff winner gets a shot at the Ligue 1 club that finished 16th.
Same machine, French accent. If you understood England's pyramid, you already understand this one.