Olympique Marseille 06 Jan 2026 Stade Baillet FC Nantes Montpellier HSC 07 Jan 2026 Stade de la Beaujoire FC Lille Le Havre AC 08 Jan 2026 Stade Pierre‑Mauroy (Lille) FC rennes RC Lens 09 Jan 2026 Roazhon Park Lille OSC AS Monaco 10 Jan 2026 Stade Michel‑d’Ornano Olympique Paris Saint‑Germain SC Brest 11 Jan 2026 Parc des Princes Paris FC FC Nice 12 Jan 2026 Stade Pierre‑de‑Coubertin RC Strasbourg FC Dijon 13 Jan 2026 Stade de la Meinau SC Caen FC Lorient 14 Jan 2026 Stade Michel‑d’Ornano Stade Rennais FC Bordeaux 15 Jan 2026 Roazhon Park Troyes AC FC Lorient 16 Jan 2026 Stade de l’Aube US Lorient FC Metz 17 Jan 2026 Stade Francisque

(Note: The schedule may shift by a day due to television requirements; the FFF will confirm any changes on its official site.)

2025‑26 Coupe Gambardella – Thursday’s Draw Unveils Full 32nd‑Final Pairings

Official announcement

The french Football Federation (FFF) released the complete 32nd‑final bracket on Thursday,12 December 2025. All 32 clubs now know their first‑round opponents, match dates, and venues for the upcoming Coupe Gambardella knockout stage.

32nd‑final match‑ups (alphabetical order of home teams)

(Note: The schedule may shift by a day due to television requirements; the FFF will confirm any changes on its official site.)

Match schedule at a glance

1. Round‑of‑32 – 2 jan - 17 Jan 2026
2. Round‑of‑16 – 22 Feb - 1 Mar 2026 (draw after 32nd‑finals)
3. Quarter‑finals – 12 Mar 2026
4. Semi‑finals – 26 Mar 2026 (neutral venues)
5. Final – 9 May 2026, Stade de France (Paris)

Key pairings to watch

• PSG vs.Olympique marseille – A classic rivalry transplanted to the U19 level, featuring several prospects already training with senior squads.
• Lille vs.Rennes – Both academies have produced recent Ligue 1 internationals; expect a tactical battle reminiscent of their senior teams.
• Monaco vs.Lille OSC – Monaco’s flair‑driven youth system against Lille’s disciplined, high‑press approach – a perfect showcase of contrasting French football philosophies.

Broadcast & streaming options

• FFF TV: Live streaming for all 32nd‑final matches, with a dedicated “Coupe gambardella” channel.
• Canal +: Highlights package every Friday evening, plus a weekly recap show “Jeunes talents”.
• YouTube: Official FFF channel uploads full‑match replays within 24 hours, complete with multi‑angle analysis.

Practical tips for supporters

• Ticketing: Free tickets are distributed through club academies; reserve them via the club’s youth‑section portal at least 48 hours before match day.
• Travel: Most venues are within 30 km of major train stations; use SNCF’s “Youth Pass” for discounted fares on match days.
• Stadium rules: No fireworks, limited bag size (max 20 cm × 30 cm). Families receive priority seating in the “Family Zone”.

Impact on youth development

• Exposure: The 32nd‑final stage reaches a national audience, giving young players a platform to attract professional scouts.
• Competitive balance: Pairings are unseeded, meaning top academies can meet early, raising the overall standard and fostering resilience.
• Pathway to senior squad: Past data shows that 30 % of players who featured in the 2022‑23 Coupe Gambardella 32nd‑finals earned a first‑team contract within two seasons.

Frequently asked questions

FC Freyming vs US Chantilly – 32nd Round Coupe de France Preview

Date: saturday 18 December 2025 | Kick‑off 15:00 CET | Stade Freyming

• Fixture: FC Freyming (National 3) hosts US Chantilly (Championnat National 2).
• Stage: 32nd round of the Coupe de France – the competition’s first decisive knockout round before the professional clubs enter.
• Venue capacity: 2 800 spectators; limited‑ticket release announced on 12 December.

Intermarché’s Community Support for FC Freyming

Intermarché, the French hyper‑market chain and official sponsor of the Coupe de France, has reinforced its partnership with regional clubs through a gift‑package initiative.

• Purpose: Strengthen local engagement, promote healthy fan experiences, and showcase Intermarché’s “Together for the Game” program.
• Delivery: on 15 December, Intermarché representatives visited the FC Freyming training ground, presenting a basket that included:
1. Team‑branded reusable water bottles (eco‑pleasant, bearing the club crest).
2. nutritional snack packs for the players and coaching staff.
3. Match‑day voucher vouchers for fans (discounts on Intermarché products).
4. A commemorative scarf featuring both FC Freyming and Intermarché logos, limited to 200 units.

The gesture aligns with Intermarché’s broader commitment to grassroots football, echoing similar collaborations with clubs across the Grand Est region.

Tactical Overview & Key Players

FC Freyming (Home)

US Chantilly (Away)

Strategic points to watch:

• FC Freyming’s midfield trio will aim to dominate posession and bypass Chantilly’s high‑press with speedy diagonal passes.
• Chantilly’s counter‑attack hinges on the speed of Pierre‑louis Germain; expect FC Freyming to close the gaps quickly.

Historical Context – FC Freyming in the coupe de France

1. First appearance: 2012‑13 (Round 7).
2. Best run: 2018‑19 – reached the Round 9, eliminating a Ligue 2 side before falling to a National 1 club.
3. 2025‑26 outlook: The 32nd‑round tie marks the club’s deepest progression in a decade, generating heightened local interest and media coverage.

Ticket & Broadcast Facts

• Ticket price: €12 (adult),€8 (under‑18),€5 (senior citizens).
• Purchase channels: Intermarché’s online portal (promo code COUPE2025 for a €2 discount) and the club’s official ticket office.
• broadcast: Live on france 2 (national TV) and streamed via the FFF official app (free with registration).

Practical Tips for Fans

1. Arrive early: Gates open at 13:30 CET; security checks are mandatory.
2. Parking: Limited on‑site spaces; use the municipal lot on Rue du Pont (30 min free).
3. Food & beverage: Intermarché’s “Stade freyming” kiosk offers special match‑day menus, including vegan options.
4. Wear the gift: Fans who received the Intermarché scarf are encouraged to wear it on match day – a photo‑op with the club’s mascot is scheduled at halftime.
5. Stay connected: follow FC Freyming’s official Twitter (@fcfreyming) for real‑time updates, player line‑ups, and post‑match interviews.

Benefits of the Intermarché Partnership

• Enhanced community cohesion: Local supporters receive tangible benefits, reinforcing loyalty.
• Sponsorship visibility: Intermarché logo placement on the team kits and stadium banners boosts brand reach.
• economic impact: Increased foot traffic to nearby Intermarché stores on match days, stimulating regional commerce.

frequently Asked Questions

Prepared by Luis Mendoza, senior content writer – Archyde.com (10:08:20 UTC, 18 December 2025).

France’s U23 Women’s Team: A Blueprint for Future Footballing Success?

The path to major tournament success isn’t always paved with dominant victories. Often, it’s forged through resilience, tactical adaptability, and the emergence of key players. France’s U23 Women’s team, after navigating a pair of draws against Portugal and Norway in October, recently demonstrated this very principle with a commanding 2-0 win over the Netherlands on November 27th, 2025. This victory isn’t just a result; it’s a potential inflection point, signaling a strategic shift and a rising tide of talent that could reshape the landscape of French women’s football.

Building Momentum: Beyond the Scoreline

While the scoreline against the Netherlands is impressive, the underlying narrative is even more compelling. Fabien Lefèvre’s squad showcased a renewed commitment to both defensive solidity and attacking flair. The double strike from Océane Picard, her first goals for the U23 team, highlights the emergence of a new generation of goalscorers. However, the win wasn’t without its challenges – playing the final portion of the match with ten players after Océane Hurtré’s expulsion tested the team’s character and tactical flexibility. This ability to overcome adversity is a hallmark of successful teams.

The recent results – Portugal 0-0, Norway 2-2, Netherlands 2-0 – reveal a pattern of growth. The team is learning to grind out results in tough matches and capitalize on opportunities when they arise. This is a crucial development as they prepare for upcoming challenges, including a December 1st clash with Germany and future fixtures against England in March 2026.

The Rise of Océane Picard: A New Star is Born

Picard’s performance against the Netherlands wasn’t merely a lucky break; it was a statement. Her opening goal on the hour mark demonstrated composure and clinical finishing, while her stunning free-kick in added time showcased technical brilliance. This emergence of a reliable goalscorer is vital for any team aspiring to compete at the highest level.

Océane Picard represents a broader trend: the increasing quality of players emerging from the French domestic league. Her success with Paris FC is translating to international impact, suggesting a strengthening pipeline of talent within France. This is a positive sign for the long-term health of the national team program.

“Did you know?” box: Océane Picard’s free-kick goal against the Netherlands was clocked at 78 mph, making it one of the fastest free-kicks scored in U23 Women’s international play this year.

Tactical Adaptability: A Key to Future Success

Lefèvre’s willingness to adapt his tactics, even mid-match, is a significant asset. The team’s ability to maintain defensive organization despite being a player down against the Netherlands speaks volumes about their tactical understanding and discipline. This adaptability will be crucial against different opponents, particularly Germany, known for their tactical prowess.

Looking ahead, Lefèvre may explore further tactical variations, potentially incorporating a more dynamic pressing game or experimenting with different formations to maximize the team’s attacking potential. The upcoming match against Germany will provide a valuable opportunity to test these strategies against a top-tier opponent.

The German Challenge: A Benchmark for Progress

The December 1st match against Germany in Frankfurt is more than just a friendly; it’s a litmus test. Germany consistently ranks among the top teams in women’s football, and a strong performance against them would signal that France’s U23 team is on the right track.

“Pro Tip:” Analyzing Germany’s recent matches, focusing on their key players and tactical tendencies, will be crucial for France’s preparation. Identifying weaknesses and developing a game plan to exploit them will be paramount.

The Broader Implications: Investing in the Future

The success of the U23 team isn’t an isolated event. It’s a reflection of broader investments in women’s football in France, including increased funding for youth development programs and a growing emphasis on professionalizing the domestic league. This investment is beginning to yield results, as evidenced by the emergence of players like Picard and the team’s overall improvement.

However, sustained success requires continued commitment. Further investment in coaching education, facilities, and player support will be essential to ensure that France remains competitive on the international stage. The upcoming matches against Germany and England will provide valuable data points to assess the effectiveness of these investments.

“Expert Insight:” “The development of a strong U23 program is critical for bridging the gap between youth and senior national teams,” says Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading sports psychologist specializing in women’s football. “It provides a platform for players to gain international experience, develop tactical awareness, and build team cohesion.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the U23 team’s recent success?

A: It indicates a strengthening pipeline of talent and a positive trajectory for French women’s football, suggesting that investments in youth development are paying off.

Q: Who is Océane Picard and why is she important?

A: Picard is a rising star in French women’s football, and her recent goals for the U23 team demonstrate her potential to become a key player for the senior national team.

Q: What can we expect from the upcoming match against Germany?

A: The match against Germany will be a challenging test, providing a valuable opportunity for France’s U23 team to assess their progress and refine their tactics.

Q: How does the U23 team’s performance impact the senior national team?

A: The U23 team serves as a breeding ground for future senior players, providing them with valuable experience and preparing them for the demands of international competition.

The French U23 Women’s team is not just winning matches; they are building a foundation for sustained success. Their resilience, tactical adaptability, and the emergence of exciting new talent suggest a bright future for French women’s football. The upcoming challenges against Germany and England will be crucial tests, but the signs are undeniably positive. What will be the next chapter in this exciting story?

Explore more insights on women’s football development in our dedicated section.