Desert Duel: PSG vs. Marseille for the Trophée des Champions
The heat is on in Kuwait! French football’s most explosive rivalry, Le Classique, travels to the Middle East tonight as Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille battle for the first piece of silverware in 2026.
This isn’t just a mid-season exhibition; it’s the Trophée des Champions. For PSG, it’s an opportunity to extend their record-breaking dominance in this competition. For Marseille, under the tactical guidance of Roberto De Zerbi, it’s a golden chance to break a 13-year trophy drought and prove they are the primary challengers to the Parisian throne.
Match Essentials
- Venue: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Kuwait City.
- Kick-off: Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 19:00 CET / 21:00 AST.
- The Stakes: A single-match final to determine the Super Cup winner.
Team News: The Missing Pieces
Both managers are navigating “AFCON fever” and a few nagging injuries that will force creative tactical shifts in the desert heat.
🔵🔴 Paris Saint-Germain
Luis Enrique is missing star right-back Achraf Hakimi and youngster Ibrahim Mbaye, both away on international duty for the Africa Cup of Nations. In the medical room, goalkeeper Matvey Safonov remains out with a hand injury, and midfielder Lee Kang-in is sidelined with a thigh strain. However, the squad is boosted by the return of Lucas Chevalier between the sticks and the incredible form of Désiré Doué.
⚪🔵 Olympique de Marseille
OM’s defense is stretched thin with Nayef Aguerd at AFCON. Furthermore, midfielders Arthur Vermeeren and Bilal Nadir are suspended after picking up red cards in their recent league outing. The good news for De Zerbi is that captain Leonardo Balerdi has been declared fit. All eyes will be on the clinical Mason Greenwood and veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to provide the firepower.
Probable Lineups
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3):
- GK: Lucas Chevalier
- DEF: Warren Zaïre-Emery, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
- MID: João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz
- FWD: Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Olympique de Marseille (3-4-2-1):
- GK: Gerónimo Rulli
- DEF: Benjamin Pavard, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina
- MID: Timothy Weah, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Emerson
- FWD: Mason Greenwood, Igor Paixão, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Betting Odds & Insight
The bookies have PSG as the favorites, but Marseille’s tactical evolution under De Zerbi makes them a dangerous underdog in a neutral venue.
| Outcome | Odds |
| Paris Saint-Germain to Win | 1.50 |
| Draw (90 Minutes) | 4.33 |
| Olympique de Marseille to Win | 5.75 |
Pro Tip: In a high-stakes Classique played on neutral ground, expect the game to open up in the second half. Both teams to score (BTTS) is a strong statistical play given the attacking talent on display.
What to Watch For
- The Tactical Chess Match: Luis Enrique’s possession-heavy style vs. De Zerbi’s high-octane build-up play.
- Kvaratskhelia’s Impact: Will the Georgian star dominate the left flank in his first major final of the year?
- Chevalier’s Redemption: After a few shaky moments in Ligue 1, the French keeper has a chance to prove his worth on the big stage.
