2026 Coupe de France Kicks Off With First Round Across French Regions

The 2026 edition of the Coupe de France football competition has officially begun, with the first-round matches taking place this weekend across various French regions. Matches are scheduled predominantly on August 22 and 23, kicking off the new football season with record participation and regional enthusiasm.

In the Bourgogne–Franche-Comté region, the tournament sees a substantial engagement with 123 matches organized into ten groups, featuring a record total of 246 clubs competing in the opening round alone. In total, this season's first round comprises 406 clubs, with teams from higher regional and national leagues exempt from this initial stage. The winners will advance to the second round, scheduled for August 29 and 30. However, challenges such as ongoing drought and deteriorated pitch conditions have forced some clubs to change venues or reschedule their matches to accommodate playing conditions.

Meanwhile, in the southern part of France, the Sporting Club Draguignan is set to start its campaign on August 23 at 4 PM, hosting Football Association Fréjusienne at the Base Nature de Fréjus. Draguignan’s coach Athos Bandini mentioned some difficulties with missing players and limited preseason friendlies but underscored the importance of progress in the competition to fill gaps in the calendar and test the squad against varied opposition. Bandini emphasized, “I do not fixate on the Coupe de France or its results; however, progressing in the tournament is preferable.”

Up north, in the Picardie maritime area, 16 first-round matches are lined up for Sunday, August 23 at 3 PM, featuring local teams such as Méricourt versus L’Abbé and Cambron against Le Crotoy. The regional excitement is evident as clubs look to make an early mark in one of France's most prestigious knockout football competitions.

As the Coupe de France’s opening stage unfolds, teams and fans alike are gearing up for an intense and wide-ranging tournament that spans the breadth of France, from smaller district-level clubs to more established regional teams. This round lays the groundwork for the drama and surprises that await in the subsequent rounds of the season-long cup challenge.