The Coupe de France quarterfinals are set to deliver a compelling few days of football, kicking off Tuesday, March 3rd and culminating on Thursday, March 5th. With seven Ligue 1 clubs still in contention alongside a single Ligue 2 representative, the competition is heating up, particularly following the unexpected early exit of Paris Saint-Germain at the hands of Paris FC.
The shockwaves from PSG’s 1-0 defeat in the round of 32 are still being felt, marking the first time the two-time defending champions have been eliminated at this stage in recent memory. This unexpected turn of events has opened up the field, creating a more unpredictable path to the final on May 23, 2026, as outlined by the official Coupe de France schedule. The quarterfinals offer a mix of established teams and potential dark horses, promising exciting matchups for fans across France.
Quarterfinal Schedule: Key Matchups and Broadcast Details
The action begins on Tuesday evening with a clash between Strasbourg and Reims, the current third-place team in Ligue 2. This match, scheduled for 9:00 PM CET, will be broadcast live on beIN Sports 1. Wednesday features a double-header: Lorient will host Nice at 8:30 PM CET (beIN Sports 2), whereas Olympique de Marseille, buoyed by a recent 3-2 victory over Olympique Lyonnais, will face Toulouse at 9:00 PM CET, also on beIN Sports 1.
The quarterfinals conclude on Thursday with a highly anticipated encounter between Olympique Lyonnais and RC Lens, set for 9:10 PM CET. This match holds particular interest as it will be co-broadcast on both beIN Sports 1 and France 2, offering wider accessibility for viewers. All matches will also be available with live commentary on the RMC Sport website and app.
Marseille’s Pursuit of a Title and Lyon-Lens Showdown
For Olympique de Marseille, the Coupe de France represents a crucial opportunity to complete a nearly 14-year title drought. Their recent win against Lyon, described as a hard-fought victory after a period of crisis, has injected renewed optimism into the team. However, they face a tough test against Toulouse, who will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge.
The Thursday night clash between Lyon and Lens is shaping up to be a particularly compelling fixture. Both teams are currently competing at a high level in Ligue 1, and their encounter in the quarterfinals promises a tactical battle and a display of attacking prowess. The availability of the match on both beIN Sports 1 and France 2 underscores its significance and anticipated viewership.
A Look Back at Recent Form
Reims, despite being a Ligue 2 side, reached this stage as the defending finalists, having lost to PSG in the previous year’s final. Strasbourg has also shown strong form, demonstrating their ability to compete with top-tier teams. Lorient, recently acquired by American investment firm Black Knight, will be looking to translate their new ownership into on-field success against Nice.
The 2025–26 Coupe de France, the 109th season of the competition, continues to showcase the breadth of French football, with teams from all levels vying for the coveted trophy. The competition, organized by the French Football Federation (FFF), is open to clubs from across France, including its overseas territories.
Dates for the remaining stages of the competition are as follows:
- Semi-finals: April 22, 2026
- Final: May 23, 2026
As the quarterfinals unfold, fans can expect a thrilling display of skill, determination, and tactical maneuvering as these eight teams battle for a place in the semi-finals and a step closer to lifting the Coupe de France trophy.
The next key date for Coupe de France fans is April 22nd, when the semi-final matchups will be played, further narrowing the field to the two teams that will compete for the championship on May 23rd.
What are your predictions for the Coupe de France quarterfinals? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
