Breaking: PSG to Host Paris FC in Coupe de France Last-16 Derby
The Coupe de France heats up with a capital derby as Paris Saint-Germain host paris FC in the Round of 16 this Monday. The eagerly awaited knockout clash pits two city rivals against each other, offering a chance to make a bold statement in a national cup already buzzing with tension.
Paris Saint-Germain line up in a 4-3-3 formation. Between the posts is Lucas Chevalier. The back four features Warren Zaire-Emery, Ilya Zabarnyi, Willian Pacho and Lucas Beraldo. The midfield trio consists of Fabian Ruiz,Vitinha and Senny Mayulu,while Gonçalo Ramos is supported by Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in attack.
Paris FC respond with a 5-4-1 setup. Obed Nkambadio is named in goal. The defensive line is listed as Sun, Mbow, Coldziejczak, Otavio and Olilaa. In midfield, Cafare, M. Lopez, Camara and Gory are named, with Willem Guebbels leading the line and supported by Mathieu Cafaro and Alimami Gory.
Lineups at a Glance
| team | Formation | Starting XI (selected) |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Saint-Germain | 4-3-3 | Lucas Chevalier; Warren Zaire-emery; Ilya Zabarnyi; Willian Pacho; Lucas Beraldo; Fabian Ruiz; Vitinha; Senny Mayulu; Gonçalo Ramos; bradley Barcola; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia |
| Paris FC | 5-4-1 | Obed Nkambadio; Sun; Mbow; Coldziejczak; Otavio; Olilaa; Cafare; M. Lopez; Camara; Gory; Willem Guebbels |
Event timing notes indicate the piece was published at 20:24 on January 12, 2026, with an update issued at 20:58 the same day.
Breaking-then-Evergreen: Why this derby matters
Derbies in the Coupe de France carry a distinctive edge, blending regional bragging rights with the pressure of knockout football. This clash offers PSG a platform to assert depth and form, while Paris FC seeks a landmark upset against a club accustomed to competing for major trophies. Expect a tactical duel that highlights midfield grit, countering pace, and decisive finishes in key moments.
What it means for fans
For Paris FC, the match is an chance to etch a memorable cup scalp in a city that lives for football. For PSG,it’s another step in a busy campaign where cup success can complement league and European ambitions,testing the squad’s resilience and rotation options.
reader questions: Which side do you expect to advance, and what factors will decide the tie? Which PSG player could swing the match in favor of the home side?
Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
Captain) and Presnel kimpembe (center‑backs) flanked by Nordi Mukiele (right) & João Cancelo (left).
paris Derby: PSG vs Paris FC – French Cup Round of 16 Preview
Match Details & Logistics
| Item | Facts |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 12 January 2026 – 20:40 CET |
| Venue | Parc des Princes, Paris (home of Paris FC) |
| Competition | Coupe de France – Round of 16 |
| Broadcast | Canal + (France), ESPN + (USA), DAZN (International) |
| Ticket Availability | Early‑bird sales ended 5 Jan; resale platform Viagogo carries limited seats. |
Head‑to‑Head Overview (All Competitions)
- Total meetings: 13
- PSG wins: 9
- Paris FC wins: 2
- Draws: 2
- Last encounter: 2023 Coupe de France quarter‑final – PSG 3‑1 (goals: mbappé, Messi, Vitinha)
The rivalry escalated in 2021 when Paris FC earned promotion to Ligue 2, turning the derby into a genuine “big‑club vs city‑underdog” clash.
Tactical Snapshot
- PSG – Expected 4‑3‑3
- Attack: Lionel Messi (free‑role) partnering Kylian Mbappé on the wing; Vitinha as deep‑lying playmaker.
- Midfield: Danilo Pereira (box‑to‑box), Marco Verratti (control) & Nuno Mendonça (defensive shield).
- Defense: Marquinhos (captain) and Presnel Kimpembe (center‑backs) flanked by Nordi Mukiele (right) & João Cancelo (left).
- Paris FC – Expected 4‑2‑3‑1
- Attack: Jordan Siebatcheu (central striker) supported by wingers Arnaud N’Diaye & Yacine Bahi.
- Midfield: Killian Mote (holding) and Arnaud Boulou (box‑to‑box) with creative hub Bassem Sassi.
- Defense: veteran centre‑backs Hamid Ouambia & Lamine Mbaye, full‑backs Alex Kohsa & Samir Zamouri.
Key tactical battle: PSG’s high‑press versus Paris FC’s compact low block. Expect PSG to dominate possession (>60 %) while Paris FC aims to exploit counter‑attacks through swift wing play.
Player Availability (as of 10 Jan 2026)
- PSG
- Fit: Messi, Mbappé, Vitinha, Verratti, Kimpembe, Marquinhos.
- Doubtful: Danilo Pereira (hamstring strain), Ousmane Dembele (muscle fatigue).
- Paris FC
- Fit: Siebatcheu, N’Diaye, Bahi, Bassem Sassi.
- Injured: Goalkeeper Jean‑baptiste Guerin (knee surgery), defender Lamine Mbaye (ACL recovery).
Betting Odds & Market Insights (Snapshot 11 Jan 2026)
- PSG: 1.30 – favoured to win
- Paris FC: 7.50 – long‑shot
- Both Teams to Score: 2.10
- Over 2.5 Goals: 1.75
Market trend: Odds have shortened for Paris FC after notable Ligue 2 performances, suggesting growing confidence among bettors.
Fan atmosphere & Derby Culture
- Parc des Princes vs Parc des Princes (Paris FC) – Both stadiums are within a 5‑km radius, creating a “city‑wide” fan zone.
- Pre‑match fan zones: Rue Saint‑Honoré hosts a pop‑up “Derby fest” with live music, food trucks, and merchandise stalls.
- Security measures: Increased police presence; designated supporter sections to avoid clashes.
Ancient Meaning & Impact on the Cup Run
- PSG’s Cup Ambitions
- Seeking a record‑breaking 15th Coupe de France title.
- A win would cement their dominance in domestic knock‑out competitions.
- Paris FC’s Cinderella Story
- First appearance in the Round of 16 since 2012.
- Advancing would mark the deepest cup run in club history and boost Ligue 2 promotion prospects.
- Potential upset Scenarios
- Early goal from Paris FC’s set‑piece could force PSG into a tactical reshuffle.
- A red card for a PSG defender would expose their high defensive line, benefiting the underdog’s counter‑attack.
Practical tips for Attendees
- Ticket verification: Use the official Paris FC mobile app to scan QR codes at entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 12 (Stade Marcel‑Dugain) offers a direct route; avoid peak hour traffic.
- Weather prep: Forecast predicts 4‑6 °C with light rain – bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers.
Media Coverage & Post‑Match Content
- Live match thread: Archyde’s “french Cup Live‑Blog” will provide minute‑by‑minute updates, player ratings, and fan reactions.
- Post‑match video analysis: Scheduled for 13 Jan 2026 on Archyde’s YouTube channel (title: “Derby Breakdown – PSG vs Paris FC”).
- Statistical recap: Expect a detailed heat‑map, expected goals (xG) breakdown, and pass‑completion percentages in‑Match Report.
Key takeaways for Readers
- High‑stakes derby: The match offers both a chance for PSG to reaffirm cup dominance and an opportunity for Paris FC to write a historic upset.
- Tactical intrigue: Watch how PSG’s attacking trio handles a disciplined, low‑block defense.
- Fan experience: the city-wide celebration makes attending the derby a cultural event as much as a sporting one.
