Quarter-Finals: Who Will Advance?

French Cup Quarterfinals Set too Showcase elite Women’s Football Talent

the quarterfinal draw for the Coupe de France Féminine is rapidly approaching, promising a compelling clash of titans and a potential Cinderella story as Stade Malherbe Caen, a team from the third division, prepares to face top-tier competition.The draw, scheduled for noon on Monday, February 2, 2026, will determine the matchups for the quarterfinals, taking place the weekend of March 14 and 15, 2026.

Dominance of the Arkema Première Ligue

Seven of the eight teams remaining in the competition represent the upper echelon of French women’s football, including the defending champion Paris FC, last year’s finalist Paris SG, and league leader Lyon. Nantes, currently in second place in the Arkema Première Ligue, also secured a spot, alongside their closest rivals. Notably absent from the quarterfinal lineup is Fleury, which was eliminated by Dijon in the round of 16.

Did you know? – The Coupe de France Féminine includes teams from all levels of French women’s football, creating opportunities for upsets and showcasing the sport’s growing depth.

Caen’s Unexpected Run

Adding an element of surprise to the competition is Stade Malherbe Caen, currently fourth in the D3 league. Their qualification, secured with a 2-1 victory over Châtenoy-le-royal on January 25, 2026, marks a remarkable achievement for the club. The Caennaises are guaranteed a home quarterfinal match and will face a formidable opponent from the top division.

“Facing them will be either a very large part of French football, or a juggernaut,” one analyst noted, highlighting the significant challenge ahead for Caen. The team reportedly harbors aspirations of being drawn against Lyon, the undisputed leader of the championship with an notable record of thirteen wins, one draw, and no losses.

Pro tip – Keep an eye on Caen’s potential home venue. A larger stadium like Ornano may be used for high-profile opponents,impacting the atmosphere.

Star Power on Display

Lyon boasts a star-studded roster featuring renowned players such as Wendie Renard, Marie-Antoine Katoto, Melchie Dumornay, Lindsey Heaps, and Ada Hegerberg. Other teams to watch include PSG,anchored by Sakina Karchaoui and Elisa De Almeida,and Paris FC,spearheaded by Clara Mateo. Fleury,despite its earlier elimination,features a wealth of international talent,including goalkeeper Constance Picaud. Nantes, experiencing a period of significant growth, includes Louise Fleury in its ranks.

Teams like Strasbourg, Dijon, and Le Havre, currently ranked sixth, seventh, and eighth respectively, represent perhaps more favorable matchups for Caen, though still presenting a considerable challenge.

Reader question – Which team do you think poses the biggest threat to Lyon’s dominance in the Coupe de France Féminine? Share your thoughts!

Venue Uncertainty for Caen

Caen’s home quarterfinal match location remains uncertain. The team may play at annex 3 of Venoix, pending stadium approval, or at the larger Ornano stadium if the draw presents a notably high-profile opponent.

Fans can watch the quarterfinal dra