Coupe de France First Round: Thrilling Wins and Upsets in Vendée, Loire, and Haute-Loire

The first round of the 2026-2027 Coupe de France took place on August 23, showcasing dramatic matches across the Vendée, Loire, and Haute-Loire regions. In Vendée, several lower-division teams scored notable victories over higher-ranked opponents. FC Pierretardière, a Départemental 4 team, advanced to the second round, highlighting the potential for upsets. FC3M defeated Entente Sud Vendée (D2) 2-1, while FC Robretières La Roche (D3) won on penalties after a 2-2 draw with FC Saint-Gilles Saint-Hilaire (D2). Other impressive results included Gaubretière Saint-Martin-des-Tilleuls (D3) beating US Bazoges Paillers Beaurepaire (D1) 3-0 and Grosbreuil Girouard (D3) defeating US Sainte-Hermine (D1) 2-0.

In the Loire region, 32 clubs were eliminated, but teams like Rhins-Trambouze, ASA Chambon-Feugerolles, and AS Saint-Étienne-Sud delivered strong performances. Roche-Saint-Genest notably crushed La Fouillouse 9-0. Seven teams automatically qualified for the second round without playing, including FC Indépendant Saint-Romain-Le-Puy and Saint-Chamond Foot.

Haute-Loire saw 51 clubs registered, with 38 participating in the first round. Aiguilhe FC dominated Coubon CO 9-1, while Chadron Saint-Martin-de-Fugères achieved a 7-0 win against SC Casadéen. Four clubs were exempted from this round, awaiting their entry in the second round.

These results underscore the competitive spirit and surprises inherent in the early stages of France's prestigious national cup tournament, spotlighting impressive performances from both amateur and semi-professional squads.