French National Football Team to Return to Stade de France in 2026 Following New Agreement

The French Football Federation (FFF) has reached a principle agreement with GL Events, the new concessionaire managing Stade de France, paving the way for the national team, known as "Les Bleus," to return to the iconic stadium starting in 2026. This development follows years of the team playing home matches predominantly at Parc des Princes due to prior disputes with former operators.

Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF, announced the deal after a meeting of the federation's executive committee on November 21, 2025. He expressed satisfaction over the hard negotiations with GL Events, which secured a 30-year management contract for Stade de France beginning August 2023. The agreement stipulates a minimum of three matches for Les Bleus at the Stade de France annually from 2026, in addition to hosting the Coupe de France final there. From 2030, the FFF is mandated to organize at least six national team matches every two years at the stadium, alongside Coupe de France finals.

The agreement is expected to bring several million euros in additional revenue per season to the FFF, providing improved financial conditions compared to previous arrangements with former concessionaires Bouygues and Vinci, whose tenure ended after legal disputes. Until the agreement, the national team had played only two of its last fourteen home matches at Stade de France, opting mainly for Parc des Princes and regional venues. For example, the team’s recent 2025-2026 season qualifiers against Iceland, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine took place at Parc des Princes.

A renovation phase for Stade de France is planned through 2030, during which the FFF may occasionally host matches elsewhere. There is an ongoing dialogue with state authorities to confirm scheduling for the upcoming Coupe de France final set for May 23, 2026, which could be impacted by Grand Paris construction works on the RER B line.

The last match Les Bleus played at Stade de France was on March 23, 2025, a Nations League quarter-final win over Croatia held in Saint-Denis. GL Events’ assumption of stadium management marks a new chapter for France’s national football team, restoring its historic home venue and promising enhanced financial and logistical conditions moving forward.