Uncertainty Looms Over 2026 Coupe de France Final's Venue and Date Amid Grand Paris Construction
The 2026 Coupe de France final may be relocated or postponed due to extensive Stade de France construction, with FFF decision expected in November 2025.
- • The 2026 Coupe de France final, set for May 23, may be relocated or postponed due to Grand Paris construction work at Stade de France.
- • FFF President Philippe Diallo expressed concerns about hosting the final in Île-de-France and emphasized the need for venue neutrality, especially given PSG's frequent presence.
- • The 2024 final was relocated to Lille for similar logistical reasons related to the Paris 2024 Olympics and renovations.
- • A decision on the final's venue or date change will be made in November 2025 by the FFF executive committee.
Key details
The 2026 Coupe de France final, originally scheduled for May 23, 2026, at Stade de France, faces potential relocation or postponement due to significant construction work linked to the Grand Paris project. The French Football Federation (FFF) is currently assessing the situation, with a decision expected by November 2025.
Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF, voiced concerns during a press conference about the feasibility of hosting the final in Île-de-France amidst the ongoing works. He suggested that the date might be brought forward or that the final might be moved to another neutral stadium outside Paris, highlighting the importance of maintaining neutrality given Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) frequent presence in the final.
The question of venue neutrality is particularly pertinent since PSG often competes in the final, and a Paris-based venue could confer a home advantage. Historically, this is not without precedent: the 2024 final was relocated to Lille due to preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics and Stade de France renovations.
Jean-François Vilotte, general director of the FFF, expressed frustration over the likelihood that the traditional Stade de France might not host the 2026 final, stating, "We are not optimistic." Both Diallo and Vilotte acknowledged the constraints imposed by the construction works and the challenge in organizing the event under these conditions.
The Coupe de France competition is currently underway, having started in June, with Paris Saint-Germain having won the previous edition against Reims by 3-0. The FFF executive committee is set to meet in November 2025 to finalize decisions regarding the final's location or any date adjustments, taking into account the qualifying teams and logistical realities.