Les Parisiennes beaten in the final of the Coupe de France
Women's football•
Paris Saint-Germain Féminine were beaten 4–1 by OL Lyonnes on Sunday 10 May 2026 at the Stade du Hainaut in the final of the Women's Coupe de France final.
For the sixth consecutive year, Paris Saint-Germain Féminine reached the final of the Women's Coupe de France on Sunday. Crowned champions four times in their history, the Parisian side were eager to add another trophy to their honours list. To do so, Paulo César’s players faced a very familiar opponent: OL Lyonnes. In an attempt to hand the Rhone-based side their first domestic defeat of the season, the Brazilian coach relied on his usual experienced players.
As a result, Thiniba Samoura and Griedge Mbock partnered in central defence in front of goalkeeper Mary Earps. Out wide, Elisa De Almeida started on the right, while Olga Carmona kept her place on the opposite flank. In midfield, young Anaïs Ebayilin lined up alongside Joe Echegini and Sakina Karchaoui, while Rasheedat Ajibade and Tara Elimbi Gilbert supported Romée Leuchter, who led the line.
From the very first minutes, Paris Saint-Germain's Women's team came under pressure from an enterprising OL Lyonnes side. The Rouge et Bleu held firm at first, with Mary Earps saving the opening attempt (2'), before further efforts were blocked by Joe Echegini and Thiniba Samoura (5' and 6'). As the game progressed, the pressure on the club from the capital’s goal intensified, and OL Lyonnes eventually made the breakthrough through Melchie Dumornay (0–1, 23'). Still pushing forward, the Rhone-based side doubled their lead a few minutes later thanks to Vicki Becho (0–2, 35').
With their backs against the wall, Paulo César’s players tried to respond and reduce the deficit, but once again suffered at the hands of the Lyon side. From a corner, Vicki Becho struck an unstoppable volley to further extend the lead (0–3, 40'). Moments later, the Rouge et Bleu hit the crossbar, a fitting symbol of a very difficult first half.
After the break, however, it was a completely different match that began at the Stade du Hainaut. Paris Saint-Germain Féminine were determined to show a very different side and quickly looked to move forward with the ball. On the hour mark, Olga Carmona displayed great vision with a brilliant pass from the halfway line into the penalty area that found Merveille Kanjinga. Introduced at half-time, the Congolese international kept her composure and struck a thunderous volley at goal that gave Christiane Endler no chance, reigniting hope for an entire fanbase (1–3, 62').
Galvanised after pulling a goal back, the club from the capital became increasingly dangerous in attack, driven in particular by the more than 12,000 spectators filling the stands of the northern venue. However, as the minutes ticked away, the Parisian side were forced to take more risks and inevitably left spaces at the back. Always alert, OL Lyonnes were quick to take advantage and scored a fourth goal thanks to a moment of inspiration from Lindsey Heaps (1–4, 75').
At the end of a difficult encounter in northern France, Paris Saint-Germain's Women's team were forced to concede defeat against OL Lyonnes. Paulo César’s players will now look to bounce back on Saturday 16 May, when they face Paris FC in the semi-final of the Arkéma Première Ligue at the Stade Jean-Bouin. Should they qualify, the Parisian side will meet the winner of the other semi-final between OL Lyonnes and FC Nantes Féminines on Friday 29 May.