Lens-PSG: Matvei Safonov is PSG's starter for the Super Cup
According to Championat.
Context
Matvei Safonov, Russian goalkeeper, was chosen to be a starter at PSG, reflecting his importance in the team after the victory in the European Super Cup. His presence in net is crucial, especially considering the impact a good performance can have on defensive confidence and PSG's success in Ligue 1 and other competitions.
Why this matters
The French Super Cup 2026 marks the start of the new football season in France, being a clash between the champion of Ligue 1 and the winner of the French Cup. The selection of Matvei Safonov as a starter at PSG underlines the team's confidence in his ability, especially after winning the European Super Cup. This game will have a significant impact on teams' morale, setting the tone for the rest of the season.
Main conclusions
- Lens-PSG: Matvei Safonov is PSG's starter for the Super Cup.
- Matvei Safonov will start for PSG against Lens in the 2026 French Super Cup, the opening match of the season, scheduled for the Bollaert-Delelis stadium.
- Ланс — ПСЖ: Матвей Сафонов выйдет в стартовом составе ПСЖ на матч Суперкубка Франции — 2026 - Чемпионат.
Matvei Safonov was chosen in goal for Paris Saint-Germain at the official start of the season in France. The Russian goalkeeper appears in the starting lineup for the 2026 French Super Cup against Lens, a match scheduled for the Bollaert-Delelis stadium in Lens, which traditionally serves as the kick-off of the competitive calendar in the country. The game will kick off at 9:45 pm (MSK) and will be led by referee Jérémy Pignard. This is a confrontation between the national champion and the winner of last season's French Cup, a classic format of the Trophée des Champions that pits the two great protagonists of last year's Gallic football against each other. In 2025/26, Luis Enrique's PSG won the championship with 76 points in 34 rounds, while Lens added 70 points and finished in second place, crowning the season with victory in the French Cup: they beat Nice 3-1 in the final. The starting lineup announced for PSG features Safonov in goal and a base of internationally renowned players: Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Digne, William Pacho, Illya Zabarnyi, Vitinha, Lucas Beraldo, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Doué and Adil Aouchiche. Safonov's presence at the start of the season confirms the French champion's confidence in the Russian goalkeeper, who reaches the trophy after having already lifted the 2026 European Super Cup this summer. In that continental final, PSG beat Aston Villa 2-1, with Safonov completing the 90 minutes. For Lens, who will play in front of their fans at Bollaert-Delelis, the Super Cup appears as an opportunity to start 2026/27 with a trophy, validating the competitive momentum left by winning the French Cup and the solid record in the previous championship. On the Parisian side, the objective is clear: maintain internal hegemony and add another title on the first attempt, testing automatisms and new dynamics of a cast with several famous faces. The match promises intensity, with referee Jérémy Pignard taking the reins of a final that pits two teams that ended 2025/26 in high rotation face to face. The collective solidity of Lens and the depth of the PSG squad will be the key ingredients of a duel that marks the official start of the season in French football, with Safonov taking the spotlight in the Parisians' goal.
What happens next
After the French Super Cup, PSG and Lens will have the opportunity to adjust their tactics and formations before the start of Ligue 1. The performance of Safonov and the other players in the Super Cup could influence coach Luis Enrique's decisions for the next games. Expectations are high to see how both teams will prepare for the challenges ahead in the season.
Frequently asked questions
What is the schedule for the Lens-PSG game in the French Super Cup 2026?
The game is scheduled for 9:45 pm (MSK).
Who is PSG's starting goalkeeper for the 2026 French Super Cup?
Matvei Safonov was chosen as PSG's starting goalkeeper.
What was Lens' position in Ligue 1 last season?
Lens finished in second place in Ligue 1, with 70 points.
What was the score of the French Cup final that Lens won?
Lens beat Nice 3-1 in the French Cup final.
How important is the French Super Cup for Lens?
The Super Cup is an opportunity for Lens to start the 2026/27 season with a trophy.