The 2026 Coupe de France fifth round draw takes place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the headquarters of Crédit Agricole in Caen, Calvados, bringing together 33 amateur clubs from Normandy as they await potential fixtures against the region’s professional entrants.
Professional Entrants Set to Join Regional Draw
The fifth round marks a major transition in the French national knockout competition by introducing clubs competing in Ligue 3, formerly known as National. Three professional and semi-professional outfits from Normandy enter the bracket at this stage: SM Caen, FC Rouen, and Quevilly-Rouen Métropole.
For the 33 amateur sides still remaining in the tournament, Wednesday evening’s event offers the prospect of hosting or traveling to face higher-tier opposition. Past editions of the competition have seen lower-league sides stage major surprises, such as Bayeux FC eliminating Stade Malherbe Caen and US Alençon defeating FC Rouen in previous seasons.
Structure of the Normandy Field
The participating amateur clubs span multiple tiers of French football, creating a wide-ranging pool for the regional pairings. Alongside Ligue 3 sides SM Caen, FC Rouen, and Quevilly-Rouen Métropole, the tournament features representatives from National 1 down to Departmental 1.
National 1 is represented by US Avranches and US Granville, while National 2 contributes FC Saint-Lô, AF Virois, US Alençon, and AS PTT Caen. Regional 1 sides in the hat include ES Coutances, J Fertoise Bagnoles, AG Caen, Maladrerie OS, Bayeux FC, CA Lisieux, Stade Sottevillais, Grand Quevilly, Saint Marcel, FC Serquigny-Nassandres, and Pacy Ménilles RC.
Lower divisions add further depth to the regional lineup. Regional 2 clubs feature SC Hérouville, USC Mézidon, USF Fécamp, Deville Maromme, Yvetot AC, and FC Gisors Vexin. Regional 3 qualifiers comprise USM Blainville, AS Verson, USI Bessin Nord, FC Thaon Bretteville, FC Offranville, and AS Gournay. Finally, Departmental 1 is represented by US Percy, FC Val-de-Risle, AS Saint-Romain-de-Colbosc, and AS Buchy.
Broadcast Details and Ceremony Schedule
The draw ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. local time (UTC+2) on September 30 and is broadcast live from Caen. In addition to the men’s senior competition, the one-hour program includes the draws for the Coupe de France Féminine and the Coupe Gambardella.
The event is hosted by Boris Letondeur and Pierre-Charles Binet. Drawing duties are handled by a panel of guests featuring former France national team physiotherapist Denis Morcel, athlete-adventurer Dorian Louvet, comedian Harold Barbé, and Miss Normandy 2026 Pauline Gourlez.
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