Date: January 2, 2026
Season: 2025/2026
As we ring in the new year, the 2025/2026 Ligue 2 campaign has reached a pivotal juncture. With the January transfer window now open and the second half of the season underway, the hierarchy of the French second tier is beginning to solidify. From historic giants fighting for redemption to surprise packages disrupting the status quo, here is the state of play in Ligue 2 as of January 2026.
### The Promotion Race: Troyes Setting the Pace
The fight for Ligue 1 promotion is shaping up to be a thriller, but one team has established themselves as the clear frontrunner.
ESTAC Troyes currently sit atop the table with 35 points, having found a rhythm under manager Stéphane Dumont. Their consistency has been their greatest asset, with a balanced attack led by joint-top scorer Tawfik Bentayeb (8 goals). The club’s ability to grind out results—four wins in their last five matches—has given them a crucial cushion. However, the January window brings anxiety; reports from Italy suggest AS Roma have lodged an €8m bid for forward Mathys Detourbet, a move that could disrupt their title charge if completed.
Chasing them are the heavyweights. AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE), relegated from Ligue 1 last season, are in second place with 30 points. Under Norwegian manager Eirik Horneland, who took charge in December 2024 and has remained at the helm through the relegation and current rebuild, *Les Verts* are finding their footing. Their attack is potent, spearheaded by Georgian winger Zuriko Davitashvili, who sits level with Bentayeb on 8 goals. However, off-pitch distractions are looming: rumors are swirling that Paris FC have tabled a massive €26m bid for wonderkid Lucas Stassin, while Davitashvili himself is drawing interest from Everton and Sevilla.
The surprise package of the season is undoubtedly Le Mans FC. Sitting 3rd on 30 points (level with ASSE), the newly promoted side is defying all expectations under manager Patrick Videira. Their fearless approach has them firmly in the mix for back-to-back promotions, a storyline that is captivating the league.
Stade de Reims, another side relegated last year, remains in the hunt in 4th place with 29 points. Manager Karel Geraerts, appointed in June 2025, has stabilized the ship, but they will need to turn draws into wins to bridge the gap to Troyes.
### The Relegation Mire: Historic Clubs in Crisis
At the bottom of the table, the situation is becoming desperate for several historic clubs.
SC Bastia are enduring a nightmare campaign, rooted to the bottom of the table (18th) with just 8 points. The arrival of manager Réginald Ray in November 2025 has yet to spark the necessary revival. With a significant gap already opening up between them and safety, the Corsican club faces a mountain to climb in 2026 to avoid dropping into the Championnat National.
Just above them, the battle is tighter. Laval (17th, 15 points) and Boulogne (16th, 16 points) are scrapping for every point, while AS Nancy Lorraine (15th, 18 points) are dangerously close to the drop zone. The margin for error is non-existent; a bad run of form in January could seal the fate of any of these sides.
### January Transfer Watch
The winter window is already generating heat. Beyond the blockbuster rumors surrounding Saint-Étienne’s stars, there is movement across the league. Jackson Porozo has returned to Troyes from his loan spell as of January 1st, bolstering the league leaders’ defense. Meanwhile, Grenoble welcomes back Ayoub Jabbari from his loan, adding depth to their squad as they look to push up from mid-table.
### Upcoming Fixtures
All eyes will be on the Stade de l’Aube this weekend as leaders Troyes host 5th-placed Red Star (29 points) on January 3rd. A win for Troyes would send a massive statement, while a Red Star victory could blow the promotion race wide open, potentially allowing Saint-Étienne or Le Mans to seize the top spot.
The second half of the season promises drama, heartbreak, and elation. In Ligue 2, nothing is ever guaranteed.