French Cup: after 28 years of waiting, Lens reaches the final again after a big win against Toulouse (4

Lens secured their victory in the semi-final game on Tuesday in front of their home crowd.

Published: April 21, 2026 23:06 Updated: April 21, 2026 23:37 Reading Time: 3min

Four days after their previous win, Lens defeated Toulouse once again at home in the Coupe de France semi-final with a score of 4-1. The game saw Lens take an early lead through a penalty by Florian Thauvin and a goal by Allan Saint-Maximin. Despite a mistake that allowed Toulouse to score, Mathieu Udol extended Lens’ lead before halftime. Adrien Thomasson sealed the victory in the second half.

Toulouse, winners in 2023, missed out on another final opportunity. Lens, after unsuccessful attempts in previous years, will have a chance to win their first-ever Coupe de France title on May 22. Their opponents will be decided after the other semi-final match between Strasbourg and Nice.

A banner in the stadium read, “Give us this final for our miners,” setting the tone for the game. Despite a strong start by Toulouse, Lens took control early on and secured a convincing lead.

A goal by Florian Thauvin and Allan Saint-Maximin’s strike put Lens in a comfortable position within the first 20 minutes. A VAR decision confirmed Thauvin’s goal, and Lens continued their dominance with Saint-Maximin’s goal shortly after.

Santiago Hidalgo pulled one back for Toulouse, but Udol’s goal restored Lens’ lead before halftime. In the second half, a goal by Adrien Thomasson further cemented Lens’ victory.

Lens now eagerly anticipates the final, hoping to claim their first Coupe de France trophy. The fans’ celebration and invasion of the pitch at Bollaert Stadium signaled their excitement for the upcoming final against Strasbourg or Nice.