The top sports news of May 22nd

Find the main sports news of May 22, 2026, marked notably by the victory in the Coupe de France of Racing Club de Lens against OGC Nice (3-1) or the triumph of Montpellier in the Challenge Cup.

Football – Lens finally wins the Coupe de France

Racing Club de Lens was the only French champion club yet to win the Coupe de France. This has now been achieved! On Friday evening, the Lens team secured their first title in this competition by defeating OGC Nice (3-1) at the Stade de France. Thauvin put RCL ahead just before the half-hour mark, followed by Édouard doubling the lead just before halftime. Ten minutes before the end of the match, Sima sealed the victory despite Coulibaly narrowing the gap. This Coupe de France triumph rewards an outstanding season from the Sang et Or.

Rugby – Third Challenge Cup victory for Montpellier

Montpellier Hérault Rugby is currently unstoppable. On Friday evening at San Mamès, the team managed by Joan Caudullo won the Challenge Cup against Ulster (59-26). This is MHR’s third victory in this competition after previous wins in 2016 and 2021, placing the Montpellier team alongside Harlequins and Clermont at the top of the honors list. This also marks Montpellier’s eighth consecutive victory across all competitions, with their sights now set on the Top 14.

Formula 1 – Pole position for Russell

Twenty days after the Miami Grand Prix, Formula 1 returns in Canada. Late on Friday evening, George Russell claimed the pole position for the sprint race at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit. The British driver, last year’s winner, will be joined on the front row by his teammate Kimi Antonelli.

Cycling – Bettiol’s triumphant return

It had been twenty-three months since Alberto Bettiol had tasted victory. On Friday, the Italian rider regained his winning ways by triumphing in the 13th stage of the Giro from Alessandria to Verbania. Bettiol, from XDS Astana, outperformed Andreas Leknessund (Uno-X Mobility) just before the final challenge of the day, the Ungiasca climb (4.7 km at 7%). This is the third victory for his team in the 2026 Giro.

Tennis – Fils practices, French players advance from qualifiers

The tension rises at Porte d’Auteuil. Following a media day filled with discussions on prize money tension, Roland-Garros is set to kick off a thrilling fortnight despite Carlos Alcaraz’s absence due to injury. Arthur Fils, the top French representative, has been training, although his condition remains uncertain. The other French players are ready for the main draw.