The new Ligue 1 season kicks off with a promoted clash between Troyes and Paris FC, who met in Ligue 2 just last term. Paris FC have dominated this fixture historically, winning six of the last ten meetings and hammering Troyes 3-0 away in October. Both sides will be adjusting…
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Sign inESTAC Troyes make their return to Ligue 1 after three seasons away when they host Paris FC in the opening fixture of the 2026/27 campaign on Saturday, August 22. Kick-off is set for 20:45 CEST.
Neither side has reported major injury concerns heading into the first matchday. Troyes have added Columbus Crew midfielder Hugo Picard on loan with an option to buy, while head coach Stéphane Dumont can call on experienced centre-back Adrien Monfray and midfielder Antoine Mille. The hosts will need to replace the production of last season's leading scorer, but forward Renaud Ripart has stepped up in pre-season, finding the net against Auxerre and Panetolikós.
Paris FC travel with a revamped squad under new manager Liam Rosenior. The summer saw the arrival of Belgian winger Mika Godts for €55 million and the additions of Lassine Sinayoko and Pablo Pagis for Ligue 1 experience. The surprise retirement of Ciro Immobile left a void up front, but sporting director Marco Neppe insisted the group is settled: “Nothing is definitive before the end of the transfer window. But let's be clear: we have complete confidence in this group and we're focused on the first match at Troyes.” Key men Ilan Kebbal, Moustapha Mbow and Adama Camara all remained at the club, while Obed Nkambadio continues to compete with Kevin Trapp for the goalkeeping spot.
Troyes are unbeaten in five pre-season friendlies (three wins, two draws), including a 3-0 victory at Grenoble, a 5-2 thrashing of Chasselay MDA and a 1-0 win over Red Star. The draws against Auxerre and Panetolikós also showcased Ripart's sharpness. The energy of a promoted side playing its first top-flight home game in three years could be a significant factor, particularly in the opening exchanges. The article from karlobag.eu notes that if Troyes can “transfer the energy from the stands onto the pitch and impose a high intensity,” the visitors will need to be ready immediately.
Paris FC finished 12th in their return to Ligue 1 last season, ending the campaign with a rousing 2-1 win over champions Paris Saint-Germain. The club’s second top-flight season has been billed as “the year of confirmation,” with a younger, more balanced squad built around the retained core of Kebbal, Mbow and Camara. Pre-season results were mixed – a heavy 4-0 defeat at Mainz, a 2-2 draw with Stuttgart and a 1-0 win over Reims – but the squad has been deliberately refreshed to avoid a repeat of the relegation battle they found themselves in last term. Rosenior’s tactical approach will be tested early against a fired-up opponent.
With Troyes’ leading marksman from the promotion campaign no longer at the club, much rests on Renaud Ripart. The 31-year-old scored in back-to-back pre-season outings and his physical presence could trouble a Paris FC back line that conceded 45 goals in 29 Ligue 1 matches last season. Moustapha Mbow, a Senegal international, will be tasked with marshalling the visitors’ defence and preventing Ripart from turning early pressure into goals. The opening twenty minutes – where Troyes will look to feed off the first-day atmosphere – may well define the pattern of the match.
Both sides will quickly turn their attention to the next fixture. Troyes travel to Lorient on August 30, while Paris FC welcome OGC Nice the same day.
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