PSG U18 Secures First Coupe Gambardella Final in 28 Years with Dramatic Win Over Nantes

Paris Saint-Germain's U18 team triumphed over FC Nantes 3-2 in a thrilling match at Stade Marcel-Saupin, securing a place in the 2026 Coupe Gambardella final for the first time since 1998. Early in the game, Nantes took the lead through Loan Merrifield in the 3rd minute, but PSG responded swiftly with goals from Pierre Mounguengue in the 12th minute and Mathis Jangeal in the 19th. Nantes' Joshua Dago leveled the score in stoppage time before halftime. The match's decisive moment came late when Toumani Diagouraga’s cross struck the post and bounced into the net in the 88th minute, sealing PSG's victory.

PSG's coach Thomas Leyssales expressed pride in reaching the final and optimism about competing at Stade de France. This marks PSG’s fifth appearance in the Coupe Gambardella final, aiming for only their second title since 1991. Their opponents will be Montpellier, who secured their place after defeating Rennes 2-1, marking their seventh final appearance and first since 2017. The final is scheduled for May 23 at Stade de France, coinciding with the Coupe de France senior final. PSG also looks poised to win the U19 Championship for the third consecutive time, with a key league match against Amiens ahead.

This historic run for PSG's youth team ends a 28-year wait to reach the Gambardella final, highlighting the club's growing strength at youth level and promising talent pipeline.