Belgium: Jupiler Pro League to return to a "classic 18-team format" from 2026-27

"From the 2026-27 season, the Jupiler Pro League will return to the classic format with 18 teams (instead of 16 in 2024-25) playing a regular 34-matchday competition. At the end of the competition, the winner is crowned champion. The clubs ranked second to fourth are entitled to a European ticket, as is the winner of the Croky Cup. The last two teams are relegated directly to the Challenger Pro League," stated the Belgian Pro League at the end of its general assembly on 27/02/2025.

"All the professional clubs met for decisive discussions on the competition format for the coming years and the distribution key. The 2025-26 season will therefore continue to be played according to the current format, with adapted "Relegation Play-offs": the clubs ranked 13^th, 14^th and 15^th will be guaranteed to extend their stay in the Jupiler Pro League. The last-placed club in the Jupiler Pro League will play off against the winner of the Challenger Pro League Promotion Play-offs," explained the Belgian league.

"The 2025-26 Challenger Pro League will consist of a minimum of 16 clubs and a maximum of 18…