On the evening of February 27, 2025, football fans across France tuned in for the highly anticipated draw for the semifinals of the Coupe de France, the beloved knockout tournament known for its capacity to create unforgettable moments. Taking place at 7:50 PM on France 3 during the show "Tout le Sport," this event determined the fate of four clubs vying for glory as they approached the final stretch of the competition.
The draw arrives following dramatic quarterfinal matches, particularly memorable for the dramatic comeback of USL Dunkerque against Stade Brestois, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to emerge victorious at 3-2. Dunkerque, which competes in Ligue 2, showcased remarkable resilience, solidifying its reputation as the tournament's dark horse.
Joining Dunkerque in the semifinal round are the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Stade de Reims, and the underdog AS Cannes. PSG, ominously positioned as the tournament favorites with 15 titles under their belt, dispatched Saint-Brieuc with astonishing ease, winning 7-0 at Roazhon Park just days before the draw.
Reims, another representative from Ligue 1, achieved their semifinal spot by edging Angers through penalties, after their quarterfinal ended 1-1 on regulation time. Meanwhile, AS Cannes, the only representative from National 2, advanced by defeating Guingamp 3-1, marking this as their first semifinal appearance since 1992. The club's historical run has attracted considerable attention and underscored the unpredictable spirit of the Coupe de France.
Former football star Zinedine Zidane once played for Cannes, and the club's current resurgence has sparked nostalgia and excitement for their potential. This season has been especially remarkable for Cannes, who, after defeating Grenoble, Lorient, and Guingamp, have become the darlings of the competition. They now aim to continue their fairy tale run against Reims.
"It's the draw we wanted to avoid but it will be a great match against such formidable competition," stated Dunkerque’s seasoned player Yacine Bammou, acknowledging the significance of facing PSG. The draw has placed Dunkerque on home ground at Marcel-Tribut stadium, fueling hopes for their supporters.
On the other side of the bracket, Cannes will face Reims, with both teams eager to leave their mark. "We’ll approach this step by step, ensuring we provide entertainment for our fans," remarked Sébastien Perez, the sports coordinator for Cannes. His cautious optimism reflects the club's sudden ascendance and the desire to create lasting memories.
The semifinals, scheduled for April 1 and 2, promise to deliver nail-biting action, leading up to the final set for May 24 at the iconic Stade de France. While PSG remains the team to beat, both Dunkerque and Cannes hope to channel the magic of the cup and rise to the occasion, potentially dethroning established giants.
With only four teams left vying for the illustrious trophy, this season’s Coupe de France continues to embody the unpredictable charm of knockout football, where every match can yield jaw-dropping surprises and celebrated underdog stories.
The excitement is building, and as the weeks leading to the semifinals draw closer, football enthusiasts can expect nothing less than thrilling encounters defining the legacy of this storied tournament.