RC Lens defeats PSG to win first-ever Trophée des Champions

RC Lens has done what seemed nearly impossible in modern French football: they beat Paris Saint-Germain when it actually mattered. On August 16, 2026, at their home ground of Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens secured a 1-0 victory over PSG in the Trophée des Champions, claiming the trophy for the first time in club history.

A mirror image, 28 years in the making

The last time Lens appeared in the Trophée des Champions was 1998, when they faced PSG under remarkably similar circumstances. That match also ended 1-0. PSG won. Lens went home empty-handed and, for nearly three decades, never got another shot.

Lens earned their place in the fixture by winning the Coupe de France in May 2026, beating Nice 3-1. It was the club’s first Coupe de France title. PSG were there as Ligue 1 champions, having clinched their 14th league title during the same campaign.

The Trophée des Champions, now in its 31st edition, serves as the traditional curtain raiser for the French football season, pitting the Ligue 1 champions against the Coupe de France winners.

PSG’s grip loosens

PSG entered the match having won the Trophée des Champions four years running. The match was played in front of a home crowd at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Hosting the Trophée des Champions on their own turf, rather than at a neutral venue, gave Lens an edge that proved decisive.

What Lens has built

Only twice in the competition’s 31-edition history has Lens even qualified for the Trophée des Champions. The first time, in 1998, they lost. The second time, they won.

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