The Coupe de France is heating up as it reaches the semi-final stage, with four teams vying for a spot in the prestigious final at the Stade de France on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The favorites, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Reims, will face off against Dunkerque and Cannes, respectively, in what promises to be thrilling encounters.
PSG, often referred to as the "ogre" of French football, remains undefeated this season against domestic teams and is aiming for a treble, with a Champions League quarter-final match against Aston Villa looming just eight days away. Their coach, Luis Enrique, acknowledges the strength of Dunkerque, who have eliminated three Ligue 1 teams in their impressive run to the semi-finals.
Dunkerque, currently fifth in Ligue 2, will host PSG in a match that has been relocated to Lille's larger stadium, Pierre-Mauroy, due to the anticipated demand for tickets. Dunkerque's coach, Luis Castro, has praised PSG, calling them "the best team I have ever faced." Despite the odds, Dunkerque is determined to pull off another upset after their recent victories over Lille and Brest in earlier rounds.
Meanwhile, Cannes, competing in National 2, will take on Reims at the Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin. Cannes is third in their group and has ambitions to return to the professional ranks, bolstered by their owner, Dan Friedkin, who also owns AS Roma. Historically, Cannes has won the Coupe de France once, in 1932, and reached the semi-finals in 1992, but they are now looking to make a significant impact in this edition of the tournament.
Reims, on the other hand, is having a challenging season in Ligue 1, currently sitting in 15th place and grappling with relegation concerns. However, after a much-needed 3-1 victory against Marseille last weekend, their confidence is boosted as they head into the semi-final. Coach Samba Diawara has emphasized the importance of not underestimating Cannes, despite the division gap. Diawara stated, "I don’t think there’s an excess of confidence. Despite the gap in divisions, we know we will face a solid team that has already eliminated Ligue 2 formations."
As the two matches unfold, fans are eager to see if Dunkerque can continue their fairytale run against the giants of PSG and whether Reims can handle the pressure against a determined Cannes side. The semi-finals are set to be broadcast live, with Dunkerque facing PSG on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 21:10 on beIN SPORTS 1 and France 2, while Cannes will meet Reims on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 21:00 on beIN SPORTS 1.
Both matches are critical not only for the teams involved but also for their respective leagues, as the outcomes could have significant ramifications for the clubs' futures. Dunkerque, aiming for promotion to Ligue 1, and Cannes, seeking to restore their historic reputation, will be looking to capitalize on their opportunities in front of a national audience.
In summary, the road to the Coupe de France final is filled with excitement and potential surprises. As PSG and Reims aim to assert their dominance, Dunkerque and Cannes are poised to challenge the status quo and create memorable moments in this year’s tournament. The stakes are high, and the passion for the Coupe de France is palpable as these teams battle for glory.
Who will emerge victorious and secure their place in the final? The footballing world will be watching closely as the drama unfolds in the Coupe de France semi-finals!
