The 2026 Guinness Six Nations Championship opens with a blockbuster encounter between France and Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday 7 February. As the defending champions, France will look to lay down an early marker against an Ireland side that has been among the tournament’s most consistent performers in recent years. This Round 1 fixture sets the tone for the entire championship.
What is the Six Nations?
The Guinness Six Nations is the premier annual international rugby union competition in the northern hemisphere, contested by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Played every February and March since 1883 in various formats, the championship expanded to its current six-team structure in 2000 when Italy joined. Each team plays five matches, one against each opponent, with home advantage alternating from year to year. A team that wins all five matches claims the coveted Grand Slam.
When is France vs Ireland?
The match takes place on Saturday 7 February 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for the evening in Paris, making it a prime-time fixture across European time zones. This is the opening weekend of the 2026 Six Nations, with all three Round 1 matches played across the same weekend.
Where is France vs Ireland?
The match is held at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just north of central Paris. With a capacity of 81,338, it is the largest stadium in France and one of the biggest rugby venues in the world. Built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the Stade de France has hosted Six Nations fixtures for over two decades and was a key venue for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics. The stadium is easily accessible via the RER B and D lines to La Plaine-Stade de France or Saint-Denis stations.
Key Contenders
France enter the 2026 championship as defending champions after claiming the 2025 title with four wins from five matches. Led by the brilliant scrum-half Antoine Dupont and with dangerous backs including Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Les Bleus boast one of the most talented squads in world rugby. Playing at home in front of a passionate crowd, France will be difficult to beat.
Ireland, under head coach Andy Farrell, remain a formidable force despite a mixed 2025. The Irish claimed the Six Nations title in 2024 and have reached number one in the world rankings in recent years. With a deep pool of talent across all positions, Ireland are always among the favourites. The head-to-head record between these sides has been fiercely competitive, with both teams trading dominant victories in recent campaigns.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, the Six Nations is broadcast free-to-air on BBC and ITV. In Ireland, coverage is shared between RTE and Virgin Media. France Televisions carries all matches in France. In the United States, NBC holds the broadcast rights with all 15 matches available on Peacock. Viewers in Australia and New Zealand can watch on Stan Sport and Sky Sport respectively, while SuperSport covers the tournament across Africa. In Japan, WOWOW has the rights, and ESPN Sur broadcasts across South America.
History and Records
France and Ireland have contested this fixture in the Six Nations and its predecessor tournaments since the late 19th century. France have won the championship outright 19 times and shared it on a further eight occasions, while Ireland have 16 outright titles. In recent years, the rivalry has intensified: Ireland won convincingly in Marseille during the 2024 championship (38-17), before France hit back with a dominant 42-17 victory in Dublin in 2025. Home advantage has been a significant factor in this fixture.
Tickets and Attendance
Official tickets for France’s home Six Nations fixtures are sold through the French Rugby Federation (FFR) website. Prices typically range from around 30 euros for the cheapest seats to 200 euros for premium positions. The Stade de France regularly sells out for Six Nations weekends, so early booking is essential. Hospitality packages are also available through the Stade de France official website and authorised partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does France vs Ireland kick off?
The match takes place on Saturday 7 February 2026 at the Stade de France in Paris, with an evening kick-off.
Where is France vs Ireland being held?
The match is played at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, which holds 81,338 spectators.
How can I watch France vs Ireland?
In the UK, the match is on BBC or ITV. In Ireland, watch on RTE or Virgin Media. In the US, stream on Peacock (NBC). France Televisions covers the match in France.
Who won the Six Nations in 2025?
France won the 2025 Six Nations Championship with four victories from five matches, claiming their second successive title.