A string of 8 consecutive seasons of winning the decisive match has PSG as the top winner of the Trophée des Champions or French Super Cup with 10 trophies. That is, until last season, when Lille defeated them.

So, with the urgency to give Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Neymar Jr.and Kylian Mbappé more reasons than financial and cultural ones to stay in the team, PSG faces another French soccer historic, Nantes, to win the first title of the 2022-2023, something that is no small thing without a doubt.

PSG’s lineup against Nantes

After “only” winning the Ligue 1 title in 2021-2022, the Argentine Mauricio Pochettino left his position as head coach and the position was taken over by the French Christophe Galtier who reached the pinnacle of his career precisely by breaking PSG’s streak of 3 consecutive league championships.

So far in the preseason, Paris Saint-Germain has played 4 matches, all of them wins, including three on a successful tour of Japan. Galtier is facing his first big test, the one that will allow him to gain the confidence of the fans, management and, perhaps, players.

PSG lineup for the French Super Cup:Gianluigi Donnarumma; Sergio Ramos, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe; Hakimi, Ferreira, Marco Verratti, Mendes; Pedro Sarabia, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr.

Nantes line-up against PSG

With their most glorious moment increasingly buried in their past, FC Nantes returned to the taste of victory by winning the Coupe de France last season under head coach Antoine Kombouaré, an achievement that allows them to hope for a surprise against the all-powerful Paris Saint Germain.

The eight-time French champion smiles as he recalls his last match against PSG: at the Stade de la Beaujoire, in a Ligue 1 match, with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé on the pitch, they won 3-1, in one of the most painful defeats of the then Parisian head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Nantes lineup for the French Super Cup: Alban Lafont;Jean Castelleto, Andrei Girotto, Nicollas Pallois; Apiah, Moussa Sisoko, Pedro Chirivella, Coco; Blas, Moses Simon, Evan Guessand.

Though the Parisians have already spent weeks of preseason —including four friendlies —working under Galtier, this will be their first official game since Mauricio Pochettino was fired. On the other hand, Antoine Kombouare has been at the helm of Nantes since February 2021.

Having made a preseason tour in Japan, PSG will continue to play abroad before they return to France for their league opener away in Clermont. But why is the French Super Cup held in Israel? Let’s take a look.

Why is the 2022 French Super Cup held in Israel?

Over the last few years, it has become increasingly popular for many of the European big five leagues to take their Super Cup game to foreign soil. As a matter of fact, the French Super Cup has been played overseas from 2009 to 2019— the 2020 edition was played in France due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Just like in 2021,the Trophee des Champions will return to Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, Israel for marketing reasons. According to LFP director general Mathieu Ficot (via BeSoccer) taking the French Super Cup to Israel “reinforces our desire to promote French football in a region that is key for its development.”

Last year, PSG’s run of eight consecutive triumphs was ended by Lille, who beat Pochettino’s side 1-0. Though the title may not mean much to PSG, it would be important for Galtier to get off to a winning start.

The Parisians have made their way to the French Super Cup by winning the 2021-22 Ligue 1 title, setting up a meeting against Antoine Kombouare‘s men, who lifted the 2022 French Cup. The game will take place on Sunday, July 31, at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Though PSG head into this clash with three friendly wins under their belts, this will be theirfirst official game since Mauricio Pochettino‘s firing. Galtier, however, won’t count on Kylian Mbappe this time.

Why is Kylian Mbappe not playing for PSG vs. Nantes in the French Super Cup?

While Galtier will be able to pit the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar, theFrench superstar won’t even be on the bench. This may have taken many by surprise, but the new coach already knew this would happen.

Kylian Mbappe is ineligible for PSG in their French Super Cup clash because he has to serve a one-game suspension due to yellow card accumulation from last term. Mbappe was booked three times in 10 games in the final stretch of the 2021-22 season.

Though his last yellow card came on Matchday 37 against Montpellier, Mbappe will serve his suspension for this fixture because LFPhadn’thanded it before PSG’s season finale against Metz.

PSG as the current Ligue 1 Champions have the obligation to win every trophy for the upcoming season. The team managed byChristophe Galtier has been playing in Asia for PSG’s preseason tour. Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe were the headliners of this tour.

Whereas Nantes had a domestic tour for their preseason matchups. The team managed byAntoine Kombouaré has the difficult mission to play against the Paris’ powerhouse for the first trophy of the season. But, it has been proved thatis not impossible to pick up win over them.

PSG vs Nantes: Date

PSG and Nantes will face-off for the 2022 French Super Cup today, July 31, 2022 at 2:00 PM (ET). This crucial game will be played at the Parc des Princes, home of the 2021-22 Ligue 1 Champions.

PSG vs Nantes: Time by State in the US

ET: 2:00 PM
CT: 1:00 PM
MT: 12:00 PM
PT: 11:00 AM

How to watch PSG vs Nantes in the US

The 2022 FrenchSuper Cup Final matchup between PSG and Nantes will kick-off on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at 2:00 PM (ET). This game will be available to watch on fuboTV (Free Trial) for the US. Other options are: beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS CONNECT.