Lens vs Nice Set for Coupe de France 2026 Final Showdown at Stade de France

The stage is set for the Coupe de France 2026 final, featuring a compelling matchup between Ligue 1 clubs RC Lens and OGC Nice. Scheduled for May 22 at the iconic Stade de France, the final promises drama as Lens seek to claim their first-ever Coupe de France title while Nice aims to add a fourth trophy to their history. This year's final is notable for the absence of lower-tier teams in later stages and the early elimination of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain by Paris FC in the Round of 16.

Lens earned their spot after a convincing 4-1 semifinal win over Toulouse, continuing their strong cup run. In contrast, Nice surprised many by defeating Strasbourg 2-0 in their semifinal, with Elye Wahi scoring both goals, including a decisive penalty. This victory marks Nice's return to the final, their first since a narrow defeat to FC Nantes in 2022. Despite their cup success, Nice's Ligue 1 performance has been turbulent—they currently sit just above the relegation zone at 15th place. Wahi acknowledged the team's challenges in the league but highlighted the importance of the cup run: "On vit une saison de merde, clairement, mais cette Coupe de France, c’est le petit truc en plus."

Historically, RC Lens has made three Coupe de France final appearances but has yet to secure the trophy, making this an opportunity for a breakthrough. Nice, on the other hand, has won the competition three times, most recently in 1997.

Fans can catch the final live starting at 21:00 on May 22, 2026, with broadcasts available on beIN Sports and France 2. Numerous sports bars across France will also host viewing parties to celebrate this major football event.

As excitement builds, both teams aim to etch their names into Coupe de France history in what promises to be a memorable final clash.