BONNEUIL-SUR-MARNE, France – Paris FC begin their 2025-26 pre-season with a stern test against Belgian Pro League champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a closed-door friendly at Stade Léo Lagrange on Wednesday, July 16.

The match, though not open to fans, is a key opportunity for both clubs to fine-tune tactics and assess squad depth ahead of their respective campaigns in Ligue 2 and European competitions.


 

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐂: 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

After finishing 5th in Ligue 2 and narrowly missing promotion last season, Paris FC enter the new campaign with renewed ambition. Head coach Stéphane Gilli is expected to field key players such as Ilan Kebbal (8 goals, 10 assists) and new signing Jean-Philippe Krasso.

“This is a great opportunity to test ourselves against elite opposition,” said Gilli ahead of the match. The coach also hinted at giving minutes to young talents like Gabriel Oualengbe, while keeping an eye on building chemistry in a 4-2-3-1 setup.



 

 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭-𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐞: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫

Union Saint-Gilloise are fresh off a title-winning season in Belgium, finishing first with 20 wins and 68 goals. Their attacking duo, Franjo Ivanović and Promise David, who scored a combined 39 goals, are expected to lead the line under coach Sébastien Pocognoli.

"Paris FC have flair players like Kebbal. We’ll need to be sharp in midfield," said Pocognoli, as he prepares his side for the Europa League.



 

 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭

Though the game is a friendly, both sides bring intensity:

  • Paris FC are testing out attacking combinations and fringe players.
  • Union are maintaining competitive rhythm with European fixtures ahead.
  • Expect multiple substitutions, tactical experimentation, and moments of flair.


 

Statistically, Union's superior attacking average (1.89 goals per game vs. Paris FC's 1.29) gives them the edge, but Paris FC’s home advantage and dynamic playmakers could level the tie.


 

 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Likely Result: Union SG 2-1 Paris FC

Both team to score 

Home win or draw

Watch For: Ilan Kebbal’s creativity vs. Union’s high press, Ivanović’s clinical edge