Relegation Six-Pointer: Nantes Hosts Paris FC in Critical Ligue 1 Clash
NANTES, January 18, 2026 – A high-stakes battle for survival is set for the Stade de la Beaujoire this Sunday as 16th-placed FC Nantes welcomes 15th-placed Paris FC. With just two points separating the sides in the lower reaches of Ligue 1, this match carries immense weight for both clubs’ hopes of avoiding the drop.
A Match of Utmost Importance
The 2025-26 Ligue 1 season has proven challenging for both traditional side Nantes and the ambitious Paris FC. Nantes, under manager Ahmed Kantari, finds itself in 16th—the relegation playoff spot—with 14 points from 17 matches. Their visitors, Paris FC, sit just above them in 15th with 16 points. A win for either team would provide a crucial cushion and a major psychological boost in the fight for survival.
Key Facts & Team News
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 5:15 PM CET (Local) |
| Venue | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France |
| Competition | Ligue 1, Matchday 18 |
| Referee | Benoît Millot |
| Nantes Position | 16th (14 PTS, 3 Wins, 5 Draws, 9 Losses) |
| Paris FC Position | 15th (16 PTS, 4 Wins, 4 Draws, 9 Losses) |
| Recent Form (Nantes) | W, L, L, L, D (Last 5 Ligue 1 matches) |
| Recent Form (Paris FC) | L, D, D, L, W (Last 5 Ligue 1 matches) |
Team Dynamics and Absences
Nantes will be bolstered by the recent arrival of midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko, who is in contention to feature. However, they will be without key defender Fabien Centonze due to a hamstring injury. International duty has also deprived them of striker Mostafa Mohamed and defender Chidozie Awaziem.
Paris FC arrives with momentum from a historic 1-0 Coupe de France victory over Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week. Their attack will miss forward Moses Simon (international duty) and the injured Willem Geubbels. Midfielders Pierre Lees-Melou and Samir Chergui are also sidelined with injuries.
Players to Watch
For the hosts, veteran Moroccan striker Youssef El Arabi leads the scoring charts with 3 goals. The creative burden will fall on Rémy Cabella in midfield. Paris FC’s main threat is Algerian midfielder Ilan Kebbal, the team’s top scorer with 6 goals and 4 assists this campaign. Midfielder Maxime Lopez is a key creator, ranking second in Ligue 1 for big chances created (11).
Recent Women’s Fixture
In a related fixture earlier this week, the women’s teams of Paris FC and Nantes met in the Arkema Première Ligue. On January 14, Nantes secured a 1-2 away victory. Clara Matéo opened the scoring for Paris FC in the 3rd minute, but goals from Imane Saoud (45’+1) and Mariam Toloba (67′) completed the comeback for Nantes, who currently hold 2nd place in the women’s top flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Nantes vs. Paris FC?
The match is scheduled for broadcast on Ligue 1’s streaming platform, Ligue 1+, in France. International viewers should check local sports broadcasting listings.
What is at stake in this match?
This is a direct clash between two teams in the relegation zone and just above it. A win could lift Paris FC closer to safety or pull Nantes out of the bottom three, making it a “six-point” swing in the survival race.
Who won the last meeting between these sides?
The last encounter was on October 24, 2025, in Paris. Nantes won 1-2, with goals from Youssef El Arabi and Matthis Abline overturning an early Paris FC lead.