RC Lens secured their maiden French Cup title with a 3-1 victory over Nice at Stade de France on May 22, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The win marks Lens’ first major trophy since their 1999 League Cup triumph and their first French Cup title ever [1, 2, 3, 4].
Florian Thauvin opened the scoring for Lens and assisted Odsonne Edouard’s second goal, setting the team on course for the win [1, 2, 3]. Before halftime, 17-year-old Nice forward Djibril Coulibaly cut the deficit to 2-1 with a goal, keeping the match competitive at the break [1, 2, 3]. Lens substitute Abdallah Sima sealed the victory by scoring the decisive third goal in the 78th minute; he has now scored 5 goals in 6 French Cup appearances this season [1, 2]. Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser made two notable saves to preserve the lead [1, 2].
Nice had late opportunities to equalize, hitting the woodwork twice through Antoine Mendy in the second half, but failed to convert those chances [1, 2, 3].
Around 50,000 Lens fans traveled to Paris to support their team in the final, showing significant backing in the capital [1, 2]. The victory caps a strong season for Lens, who finished runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 and qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League [1, 3].
Meanwhile, Nice ended the Ligue 1 season just above the relegation zone and must contest a two-legged playoff against Ligue 2 side Saint-Etienne on May 26 and 29 to maintain their top-flight status [1, 2, 3].
Notably, Thauvin, despite his World Cup-winning pedigree in 2018, has been omitted from France’s squad for the upcoming World Cup finals next month [1, 2].
Lens will begin their Champions League campaign next season as they celebrate a historic first French Cup triumph.
