A historic edition of Le Classique takes place tonight, Thursday, January 8, 2026, as Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille travel to Kuwait to battle for the Trophée des Champions (French Super Cup). Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 CET (21:00 local time).
This marks the first time the competition is being hosted in Kuwait, at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. PSG are the record holders (14 titles) and defending champions, but a rejuvenated Marseille side under Roberto De Zerbi is looking to end a 13-year trophy drought.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: Trophée des Champions (Final)
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
Kick-off: 19:00 CET / 18:00 GMT / 13:00 ET
Venue: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Kuwait City
Referee: Thomas Léonard
Broadcast: beIN Sports (Global), Canal+ (France)
The Storyline: PSG's Hegemony vs. OM's Resurgence
Paris Saint-Germain: The Domestic Kings
Luis Enrique’s side is in pursuit of a domestic treble. After winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France last season, they view this trophy as the natural completion of their dominance. PSG arrive in Kuwait with high morale after winning the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December and securing a 2–1 derby win over Paris FC last weekend.
Despite missing key figures to AFCON and injury, the Parisians remain the heavy favorites. Their tactical flexibility and the form of Ousmane Dembélé—recently crowned Men's Player of the Year by major outlets—make them a daunting prospect in any final.
Marseille: A Chance to Change the Narrative
Marseille is competing for this trophy for the first time since 2020. Under Roberto De Zerbi, the Phocéens have become more tactically daring. Although they stumbled in their first match of 2026 (a 2–0 loss to Nantes), they can take heart from the fact that they beat PSG 1–0 in their last meeting in September.
For OM, this isn't just a cup final; it’s a psychological hurdle. Winning their first trophy since 2012 would validate the De Zerbi project and prove that they can finally stand toe-to-toe with their Parisian rivals in a winner-takes-all scenario.
Team News & AFCON Absentees
PSG Team News
AFCON Duty: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) and Ibrahim Mbaye are away on international duty.
Injury Ward: Matvey Safonov (fractured hand) and Lee Kang-in (thigh strain) are officially out. Quentin Ndjantou is also sidelined.
Returning: Lucas Chevalier has returned to the starting lineup after an injury layoff and will start in goal. Nuno Mendes and Vitinha are expected to anchor the left side.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Chevalier; Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz; Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Doué.
Marseille Team News
AFCON Duty: Nayef Aguerd (Morocco) is the most significant absentee for OM.
Injury Boost: Captain Leonardo Balerdi has recovered from the illness that kept him out against Nantes and is expected to start.
Selection Debate: De Zerbi must choose between the veteran presence of Aubameyang and the recent form of Amine Gouiri to lead the line.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Rulli; Pavard, Balerdi, Medina; Weah, Hojbjerg, Kondogbia, Emerson; Greenwood, Aubameyang, Paixão.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
Overall Record: 110 meetings. PSG has 53 wins, Marseille 36, with 21 draws.
Last Meeting: Marseille 1–0 PSG (Ligue 1, Sept 22, 2025).
Super Cup Dominance: PSG has won 11 of the last 12 Trophée des Champions editions.
Kuwait Debut: This is the first French professional match ever played in Kuwait.
Tactical Analysis: Control vs. Verticality
Luis Enrique will demand his usual high-possession game, utilizing João Neves and Vitinha to recycle play and wait for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to isolate defenders. With Hakimi out, a lot of the creative burden shifts to the left flank.
Marseille will look to exploit the transition. De Zerbi’s "invitation to press" will be tested against PSG's aggressive front line. If Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg can bypass the initial Parisian press, the pace of Mason Greenwood and Igor Paixão will be lethal on the counter-attack, especially against a PSG defense that hasn't kept a clean sheet in their last three outings.
Match Prediction
PSG’s experience in major finals and their superior squad depth usually prevail in this competition. However, Marseille has already proven they can shut down this PSG attack once this season. Expect a fiery encounter with plenty of tactical fouling.
Final Score Prediction: PSG 2–1 Marseille
