The official fixtures for the 2025-2026 Ligue de Football Professionnel season have been revealed, confirming the return of a top-flight Paris derby. This marks the first time two Paris-based clubs will face off in Ligue 1 since Racing Club de Paris`s relegation in 1989. The occasion is made possible by Paris FC`s promotion, achieving Ligue 1 status for the first time in 46 years.
The initial clash between Paris Saint-Germain and their cross-city rivals is scheduled for the start of the New Year, set to take place at the Parc des Princes on January 4th. Perhaps the more anticipated fixture will be the return leg, which is planned for Stade Jean-Bouin – just a short distance away – on the final matchday of the Ligue 1 season, May 16th, 2026.
These two clubs share a fascinating and deep historical link. Paris Football Club was founded in 1969 with the ambitious vision of becoming the leading club in the capital (`Grande club du capital`). They quickly merged with Stade Saint-Germain, a Division 2 side located about 15km west of Paris in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the birthplace of French King Louis XIV. This merger formed the entity we recognize today as Paris Saint-Germain.
However, this combined entity split in 1972, partly due to the city`s leadership being reportedly dissatisfied with their capital club being located in the suburbs. As a result, Paris Football Club continued in Division 1, moving to the Parc des Princes, while Paris Saint-Germain faced administrative relegation to the third tier.
In a significant turn of events, PSG achieved promotion back to the first division in 1974. This was, ironically, the same season that PFC was relegated from Ligue 1. This twist of fate allowed PSG to take over the Parc des Princes and solidify its position as the undisputed dominant force in French football within the capital, a status it has maintained ever since.
