France will host Italy in a Six Nations Rugby match on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille. The match, kicking off at 4:10 PM local time, marks a return of the French national team to Lille following appearances during the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the 2024 Six Nations tournament.
The selection of the Stade Pierre-Mauroy for the fixture was announced by the French Rugby Federation, confirming a continuation of the venue’s role in hosting the annual competition, as it did in 2024. The stadium will also host the Under 20 Six Nations match between France and Italy on the same weekend, with that game scheduled for the Stadium Lille Métropole, though a specific date within the 21st-22nd of February is still to be determined.
The French team enters the match as defending champions of the Six Nations, having secured the title in 2025. The team has begun its 2026 campaign with victories over Ireland and Wales, fueling hopes among supporters that they may achieve a Grand Slam this year. Tickets for the France versus Italy match are available through the official French Rugby Federation ticketing website, BILLETTERIE.FFR.FR.
The choice of Lille to host the match underscores the growing popularity of rugby in the northern region of France, according to officials. The Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre-Mauroy has a capacity for large crowds and is equipped to host international sporting events.
