Paris Saint-Germain will begin the new season as favourites to beat RC Lens in the Trophee des Champions at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Sunday, 16 August 2026, with the match kicking off at 18:45.
The fixture comes just one week before the start of Ligue 1 2026-27 on 21 August, meaning both sides will play their first competitive match of the campaign with silverware at stake. PSG are priced at 1.80 for the trophy, although Lens will have the advantage of playing in front of a strongly-backed home crowd.
Mahamad Sangare, presenter of the sports debate programme La VAR on Burkina Info TV, has provided his analysis and prediction for the game.
For PSG, the match offers an opportunity to set the tone for the season and reinforce their position as the leading force in French football. They are familiar with the Trophee des Champions and will be aiming to add another honour to their collection.
Lens, meanwhile, have the chance to win a title at home in front of their supporters. The atmosphere at Bollaert is expected to be particularly intense, giving the Racing a potentially significant advantage despite PSG’s stronger recent record.
Lens played five friendly matches during pre-season. Their most notable result was a 3-1 victory over Villarreal in the final of the Como Cup. That performance highlighted their attacking potential and their ability to respond after falling behind.
However, the Sang et Or ended their preparations with a 2-0 defeat by Sunderland at Bollaert on 8 August. The result was a setback so close to the meeting with PSG, with Lens struggling to create danger and lacking precision in the final third.
PSG arrive with greater momentum. They won the UEFA Super Cup on 12 August by beating Aston Villa 2-1, despite initially going behind. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue scored as Paris turned the match around.
That victory means PSG have already played a competitive fixture, unlike Lens, who come into the Trophee des Champions after a pre-season defeat. It also suggests Luis Enrique’s side have already reached a strong level of competitive intensity.
Team news
Lens could be without Odsonne Edouard, who suffered an adductor injury during the defeat by Sunderland. The forward’s availability for the match remains uncertain.
Jonathan Gradit and Deiver Machado are also among the Lens players whose fitness is being monitored, according to the latest information from the club’s injury list.
PSG have the deeper and more competitive squad, but recovery will be a consideration after their UEFA Super Cup match against Aston Villa. Doue was particularly influential in that victory.
Head-to-head record
The historical record strongly favours PSG, although Lens have often made the fixture difficult for their opponents.
Across the last 20 meetings, Paris have won 12 times, compared with two victories for Lens. Six matches have ended in draws. PSG have scored 37 goals during that sequence, while Lens have managed 16.
Paris have also won the last five meetings between the clubs and go into this contest on the back of their 2-1 success against Aston Villa.
Several statistical models give PSG about a 53% chance of victory, compared with approximately 23% for Lens. The figures make Paris the safer selection, but a straightforward away win is considered more risky because of Bollaert’s influence and the strength of the home support.
Odds may change.
