OGC Nice secured a 2-0 victory over Strasbourg in the Coupe de France semi-final on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at La Meinau stadium, advancing to the final where they will face Lens.
The win was built on a brace from striker Élie Wahi, who scored in the 51st and 82nd minutes, with the latter coming from the penalty spot. His performance earned him man of the match accolades and proved decisive in Nice’s progression to their second Coupe de France final in four years.
Strasbourg, despite enjoying 66% of possession and completing 603 passes compared to Nice’s 293, failed to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances. The Alsace side managed only two shots on target throughout the match, highlighting a lack of precision in the final third that ultimately cost them dearly.
Nice’s defensive resilience was a cornerstone of their success, with goalkeeper Marcin Bułka making 19 saves — a remarkable tally that kept Strasbourg at bay despite sustained pressure. The Polish international’s performance was instrumental in preserving the clean sheet, particularly during Strasbourg’s late surge for an equalizer.
Tops: Wahi’s Clinical Finish and Nice’s Tactical Discipline
Élie Wahi’s double was the standout individual performance of the match. His first goal came after a swift counterattack initiated by Morgan Sanson, whose pass found the striker in space inside the box. Wahi calmly slotted the ball past Matz Sels to deliver Nice the lead shortly after the hour mark. The second goal, a penalty awarded after a handball by Strasbourg’s Andrew Omobamidele, was dispatched with equal composure, sending Sels the wrong way.
Beyond Wahi, Nice’s midfield trio of Hicham Boudaoui, Mohamed-Ali Cho, and Alexis Beka Beka controlled the tempo effectively. Boudaoui, in particular, was pivotal both defensively and offensively, completing 89% of his passes and winning back possession 11 times. His late booking for a tactical foul on Strasbourg’s Kevin Gameiro underscored his commitment to disrupting the hosts’ rhythm.
Tactically, Nice head coach Franck Haïst opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation that absorbed pressure before striking on the break. This approach allowed them to limit Strasbourg to just 0.8 expected goals (xG) despite the home side’s territorial advantage. The visitors’ ability to transition quickly from defense to attack caught Strasbourg off guard repeatedly, especially down the flanks where Malang Sarr and Romain Perraud provided width and defensive cover.
Flops: Strasbourg’s Wasted Opportunities and Defensive Lapses
Strasbourg’s failure to capitalize on their possession dominance was the most glaring flaw in their performance. Despite creating 15 total shots — eight more than Nice — their inability to test Bułka consistently proved fatal. Only two of their efforts forced the goalkeeper into action, with the majority either blocked or sailing wide of the target.
Individual errors also played a role in Nice’s goals. For the opener, a misplaced pass by Strasbourg’s Lebo Mothiba in midfield allowed Nice to launch the counterattack that led to Wahi’s finish. The penalty, meanwhile, stemmed from a clumsy challenge by Omobamidele on Cho inside the box — a decision upheld after VAR review, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
Defensively, Strasbourg struggled to cope with Nice’s movement between the lines. Cho and Wahi frequently drifted into half-spaces, dragging Sels and the central defenders out of position and creating gaps that Nice exploited. The lack of a recognized defensive midfielder to shield the backline left Strasbourg vulnerable, particularly when their fullbacks pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
Key Statistics and Match Flow
According to official match statistics from the French Football Federation (FFF), Nice completed 293 passes at an 81% accuracy rate, while Strasbourg managed 603 passes at 88% accuracy. Despite the disparity in possession, Nice had more shots on target (3 to 2) and won more duels (39 to 35).
The match saw Nice commit seven fouls compared to Strasbourg’s eight, with both sides receiving one yellow card each — Boudaoui for Nice and Gameiro for Strasbourg in the closing stages. There were no red cards issued, and both teams made three substitutions as permitted under competition rules.
Attendance at La Meinau was recorded at 25,832, reflecting strong interest in the local derby atmosphere despite the match’s neutral venue status in the competition. The game kicked off at 8:45 PM local time and concluded after six minutes of added time, with the final whistle blowing at 10:01 PM.
Road to the Final and Historical Context
Nice’s victory marks their sixth appearance in a Coupe de France final, having previously won the trophy in 1952, 1954, 1997, and 2022. Their last final appearance came four years ago when they defeated Nantes 1-0 in the 2022 showpiece at the Stade de France. This year’s triumph over Strasbourg sets up a final clash with Lens, who secured their place with a 3-1 win over Paris FC in the other semi-final.
For Strasbourg, the loss ends a promising cup run that had seen them overcome Ligue 1 opposition in Montpellier and Lyon earlier in the tournament. Despite the disappointment, their performance against Nice demonstrated signs of progress under head coach Liam Rosenior, particularly in their ability to control tempo against a top-tier opponent.
The Coupe de France final is scheduled for Saturday, May 22, 2026, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Kick-off is set for 9:00 PM CET, with the match to be broadcast live on France Télévisions and streamed via the platform’s official app and website.
As both teams prepare for the final, attention will turn to squad availability and tactical adjustments. Nice will be buoyed by their defensive solidity and Wahi’s form, while Strasbourg will appear to address their finishing issues should they earn a future opportunity to compete for silverware.
For ongoing updates on the Coupe de France final and other football developments, fans are encouraged to consult the official website of the French Football Federation (French Football Federation) and the Ligue de Football Professionnel (Ligue de Football Professionnel) for verified schedules, team news, and match statistics.
What are your thoughts on Nice’s path to the final and Strasbourg’s missed opportunities? Share your views in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #CoupeDeFranceFinal.