Paris, France – After nearly half a century on French television, TF1’s iconic football program, Téléfoot, is set to conclude its run in its current format this June. The announcement, confirmed by TF1 on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, marks the complete of a significant chapter in French sports broadcasting. The program will be replaced by a broader multisport offering when the new television season begins in September, according to reports from L’Équipe.
Téléfoot, created in 1977 by Pierre Cangioni, quickly became a cornerstone of French football coverage. Initially broadcast on Saturday evenings, the show later moved to Sunday mornings, establishing itself as a weekly ritual for fans across the country. Over the decades, the program has featured a succession of prominent presenters, including Michel Denisot, Thierry Roland, Thierry Gilardi, and, most recently, Grégoire Margotton, who has helmed the show since 2018.
Margotton, who also commentates on matches for the French national team, is reportedly expected to continue in a presenting role for the new multisport program, as indicated by Le Parisien. The future format of the Téléfoot brand itself remains somewhat undefined, but TF1 intends to maintain its presence through digital platforms, specifically TF1+, offering football-related content.
The decision to end Téléfoot in its current form comes as TF1 also plans to terminate its contract for broadcasting Ligue 1 rights. A clause in the existing agreement allows the channel to end the deal after two seasons should the program cease to exist in its current format, a move that would save TF1 approximately one million euros annually, according to L’Équipe. This suggests a strategic shift in TF1’s sports broadcasting priorities.
While Téléfoot is concluding, another long-running TF1 program, Automoto – dedicated to motorsports – will continue to air in its usual Sunday slot. Launched in 1975, Automoto represents another enduring fixture of French television.
Throughout its history, Téléfoot has been the stage for numerous memorable moments. The program became known for its candid interviews and unfiltered access, occasionally leading to controversial or unexpected exchanges. One particularly notable incident occurred in 2010, during the aftermath of France’s disastrous World Cup campaign in South Africa. Franck Ribéry, then a key player for the national team, unexpectedly appeared on the Téléfoot set, visibly distraught and delivering a passionate, unscripted account of the internal turmoil within the squad.
Similarly, a 2013 interview with former France captain Patrice Evra generated significant reaction after he criticized several journalists and pundits, even mispronouncing their names. These moments, while sometimes contentious, contributed to the program’s reputation for being a platform for raw emotion and unfiltered opinions.
But, the landscape of French football broadcasting has evolved considerably in recent decades. The rise of competing channels like Canal+ in the 1980s and BeIn Sports more recently has fragmented the market and increased competition for broadcasting rights. This increased competition, coupled with the proliferation of football coverage across various platforms, has led to a decline in Téléfoot’s overall influence, according to reports.
The shift towards a multisport format reflects a broader trend in television programming, as broadcasters seek to appeal to a wider audience. While the end of Téléfoot in its current form will undoubtedly be met with nostalgia by longtime fans, the move signals TF1’s intention to adapt to the changing media landscape and diversify its sports coverage.
The legacy of Téléfoot extends beyond its coverage of football matches. For generations of French viewers, the program served as a central hub for football news, analysis, and debate. It fostered a sense of community among fans and played a significant role in shaping the national conversation around the sport. The program’s impact on French football culture will be felt for years to come.
As Téléfoot prepares to sign off, the focus now shifts to the future of TF1’s sports programming. The new multisport show promises to showcase a wider range of athletic disciplines, potentially including rugby, as L’Équipe reported. The success of this new venture will depend on its ability to capture the same passion and engagement that made Téléfoot a beloved institution.
The final episode of Téléfoot in its current format is scheduled to air on June 14, 2026. Following that, French football fans will await the debut of TF1’s new multisport offering in September, hoping it can fill the void left by the program that has been a fixture of Sunday mornings for nearly five decades.
What’s Next: TF1 will officially launch its new multisport program this September. Further details regarding the show’s format, schedule, and featured sports are expected to be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned to Archysport for ongoing coverage of this developing story.
What are your favorite Téléfoot memories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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