France has one of the best football leagues in the world but coverage is very limited in New Zealand.
We’ll show you how to watch all Ligue 1 games live and on demand.
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#e7e7e7″ size=”1″]
What is Ligue 1?
The Ligue 1 is a professional men’s football league, the highest level of such in France. It is governed by the Ligue de Professionnel, and is the primary football competition in the country, sitting above the Ligue 2.
Twenty teams compete in the league, 19 from France and one from Monaco (AS Monaco) and it is considered to be one of the best domestic leagues in Europe, ranked 5th, only behind to Germany’s Bundesliga, England’s Premier League, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A.
The Ligue 1 is also the 5th richest domestic league in terms of revenue, with teams Lyon, Marseille and Paris-Saint German amongst the richest clubs in the world, Paris-Saint German in particular valued at over 800 million euros.
Ligue 1 Season
Ligue 1 seasons run from August to May, and are played across 38 games, where each team verses the other in home and away games, primarily on the weekends but occasionally during the week as well.
Teams receive three points for a win and one for a draw, and by the end of the season, the team that finishes with the highest number of points wins the league.
In the case of points ties, teams are separated first by goal difference, and then goals scored. The bottom two teams of Ligue 1 are automatically relegated to Ligue 2, the top two of which are granted promotion in their place.
The 18th place finisher in Ligue 1 competes in a two-legged competition between the third highest finisher in the Ligue 2 to determine which team will play in Ligue 1 in the following season.
The top three finishers in Ligue 1 qualify for the Champion’s League, the top two immediately proceeding to the group stage and the third to the qualifying round.
The fourth-place team makes it to the Europa League (as do the three teams above them).
The remaining Europa League places are determined by the winners of France’s other two domestic leagues, the Coup de France and Coupe de la Ligue.
If both of the two winners of these competition manage to qualify for the Europa league by their league positions, the fifth and sixth highest finishing teams in the Ligue will qualify instead.
Ligue 1 Historically
The 2018/2019 season began on August 10, 2018 and ran until the 24th of May 2019. It was won by Paris-Saint German, who were the defending champions, who were guaranteed the win as early as April 2019 given their point differential with runners up Lille.
It was a particularly dominant season for PSG, in no small part due to a phenomenal performance by striker Kylian Mbappé who ended the season as the top goal scorer with 33. Paris-Saint German were also notable for their 9-0 victory over Guingamp in January 2019, in addition to a 14-game win streak.
Paris-Saint German were also in the spotlight following the acquisition of Brazilian Superstar during the 2017/2018 season, who paid a world record £222 million transfer fee.
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#e7e7e7″ size=”1″]
How To Watch Ligue 1 NZ
Domestically in France coverage is on Bein Sports and Canal+, both of which are premium subscriptions but offer live and on demand content.
Around the world, you can use:
- USA: Bein Sports, FuboTV, Sling TV
- UK: BT Sport
- Canada: DAZN
- Australia: Bein Sports
- New Zealand: Bein Sports, TV5 Monde
- China: PPTV Sport China.
The quickest way to watch Ligue 1 is to use Bein Sports but the $30/mo fee is off putting to most watchers given you need an additional subscription for the premier league. The cost for both can easily run over $60 per month.
DAZN offers a 30 day free trial when used with a VPN. It offers over 50+ sports in one place.
[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#e7e7e7″ size=”1″]
Step 1: Get A VPN Provider
To watch the DAZN live or on demand in New Zealand you can use a VPN. You can subscribe for a low monthly fee.
To fool the website into thinking you’re in Canada then you can buy a VPN and choose an Canadian server.
There are many different VPN providers out there on the web, from our experience the cheapest and most affordable option is PureVPN.
It costs $10.95 per month or $2.88 on a subscription.
[affcoups id=”1643″ template=”list”]
You’ll be able to buy a VPN using your New Zealand credit card/Paypal.
Step 2: Download & Install VPN Application
You’ll need to decide how you plan on accessing DAZN. You could use your smart TV, Apple TV or just a computer web browser.
You’ll need to download the PureVPN Application to your device first, then their app or visit their website.
Login with the details you were provided via email during signup.
Step 3: Choose Canadian Server
You’ll now need to connect through to a Canada based server. If you’re given an option of which city then I’d choose Vancouver.
You’ll be advised by the VPN app once your IP has changed and you’re routing your connection via Canada.
You’ll now be able to go to your chosen channel and watch the live stream instantly.
It’s 100% free to create a trial account. When asked for a postcode enter a random one.
Step 4: Start Watching DAZN
Search for the games in the website search box, although it’s likely going to be on the homepage.
You’ll now be able to play any of the on demand content available too.
Keep your account and watch more geoblocked content from all over the world.