The draw for the 16th round of the Coupe de France took place this Sunday evening, right before the final match between RC Lens and Paris SG. Unlike previous rounds, this draw was completely open, meaning there were no group stages to navigate. The team drawn first will host the match, except when there is a gap of two divisions between the clubs, which results in the lower division team playing at home.
Scheduled matches will be played on January 14, 15, and 16. The teams qualified for this round include prominent names and exciting underdogs. Among the matchups set for the 16th round are:
- SC Bastia (Ligue 2) vs. OGC Nice (Ligue 1)
- Toulouse FC (Ligue 1) vs. Stade Lavallois MFC (Ligue 2)
- SU Dives-Cabourg (National 3) vs. Le Puy Foot 43 (National 2)
- Quevilly Rouen Métropole (National) vs. Angers SCO (Ligue 1)
- Le Mans FC (National) vs. Valenciennes FC (National)
- FCSR Haguenau (National 2) vs. USL Dunkerque (Ligue 2)
- Olympique de Marseille (Ligue 1) vs. Lille OSC (Ligue 1)
- ESTAC Troyes (Ligue 2) vs. Stade Rennais (Ligue 1)
- Stade Briochin (National 2) vs. FC Annecy (Ligue 2)
- EA Guingamp (Ligue 2) vs. FC Sochaux-Montbéliard (National)
- Stade de Reims (Ligue 1) vs. AS Monaco (Ligue 1)
- FC Bourgoin-Jallieu (National 3) vs. Olympique Lyonnais (Ligue 1)
- FC Espaly-Saint-Marcel (National 3) vs. RC Lens or Paris SG (Ligue 1)
- Stade Brestois 29 (Ligue 1) vs. FC Nantes (Ligue 1)
- ES Thaon-les-Vosges (National 3) vs. RC Strasbourg Alsace (Ligue 1)
This year’s draw, executed by Henry Chavancy and Margaux Pinot, features impressive clashes between top-tier teams. One of the standout matchups is the thrilling encounter between Olympique de Marseille and Lille, both competing fiercely for top positions in Ligue 1. Fans are also excited about the duel between historical rivals Troyes and Stade Rennais, which promises to be fiercely contested.
Remarkably, the draw also offers captivating storylines for some lesser-known clubs. For example, Bourgoin-Jallieu, playing at the National 3 level, will face Olympique Lyonnais, and fans are eagerly anticipating this significant challenge against one of France's most storied clubs. Similarly, the lower-tier team FC Espaly, fresh off their surprising victory against Dijon, will take on the winner of the match between RC Lens and Paris SG, which could serve as another monumental episode for the underdogs.
Sylvain Ripoll, manager at Guingamp, expressed cautious optimism about facing Sochaux. He noted, "The major satisfaction is to host. With three matches within the week, we will avoid traveling. We have to respect the hierarchy. But I’m quite wary of Sochaux; they are up at the top of the National league, fighting for promotion to Ligue 2.” His comments reflect the competitive spirit of the cup, where upsets are always possible.
This year's edition has already been marked by surprises, including Montpellier's shocking elimination by Puy-en-Velay, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the competition. The participation of 13 Ligue 1 teams, alongside 7 from Ligue 2 and various lower-division clubs, ensures fans can expect thrilling fixtures.
The excitement builds as the competition edges closer. The fixtures paired with compelling narratives around the underdog teams makes the upcoming round of matches particularly enticing for supporters. The stakes are high, and as January approaches, all eyes will be on the pitch, waiting to see if new surprises await.
