Rennes to host PSG in Ligue 1 opener at Roazhon Park on August 23

Stade Rennais will begin their Ligue 1 2026-27 season against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain at Roazhon Park on August 23 in matchweek 1. The fixture pits Franck Haise’s Rennes side against Luis Enrique’s PSG in the opening round of the French top flight.

Rennes arrive after a difficult pre-season, having lost their last three warm-up matches, and the squad will need to address defensive shortcomings before facing the Parisians. The hosts are expected to try to control the contest as they did in their last meeting with PSG. Paris Saint-Germain recorded mixed pre-season results: they defeated the Europa League winners to secure back-to-back UEFA Super Cup titles but were beaten 0-1 and described as outplayed in the French Super Cup by RC Lens. PSG will travel to Roazhon Park for the league opener.

Estéban Lepaul was Rennes’ sole scorer in their final pre-season match, converting a spot-kick in a defeat to Sunderland; the 26-year-old scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season and will seek a strong start in the opener. His finish against Sunderland was the only goal for Rennes in that friendly and remains a focal point for the club’s attacking hopes.

A player described in the preview as a 29-year-old featured in 22 Ligue 1 matches for Paris Saint-Germain last season, recording 10 goals and seven assists. Ousmane Dembele is singled out to lead PSG’s attack in the opener, with the report noting his pace as a continuing threat to opponents’ defences.

Rennes will be without Mahdi Camara, who is suspended for the match, while Nuno Mendes was sent off in the French Super Cup against RC Lens and will not be available for PSG. The projected starting lineups published in the preview list Rennes as: Samba (GK); Frankowski, Ait Boudlal, Cresswell, Nagida; Szymanski, Rongier, Thomasson; Blas, Lepaul, Mayenda. PSG’s projected XI is shown as: Safonov (GK); Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Digne; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.

The preview suggests Rennes’ home status gives them a slight edge, but it also states that PSG’s squad depth and quality make them confident of an opening-day win; the article concludes that Paris Saint-Germain are likely to secure victory in this season opener. Broadcasters for viewers in the United Kingdom are listed as Ligue 1+, Prime Video and ITV.