OGC Nice launch their 2025/26 Ligue 1 season at the Allianz Riviera on Saturday with a tricky test against Toulouse. Both clubs enjoyed steady campaigns last term, with Les Aiglons securing a top-four finish and Europa League qualification, while Les Violets recorded their best top-flight placing since promotion in 2022.
Match Preview
The spotlight on Nice has dimmed somewhat in recent months due to INEOS’s high-profile takeover of Manchester United, but Franck Haise’s team still managed to deliver an impressive fourth-place finish last season—their highest in eight years. That achievement was followed by significant squad turnover, with key figures such as Jean-Clair Todibo, Evann Guessan, and Marcin Bulka departing for major fees.
Replacements were quickly brought in, including goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf and winger Isak Jansson, but their competitive debuts were far from ideal. Nice crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers with back-to-back 2-0 defeats against Benfica, dropping into the Europa League pathway.
Haise will now turn full focus to Ligue 1, though history provides a word of caution: Nice have failed to win any of their last four opening-day fixtures (three draws, one defeat). Still, their record at the Allianz Riviera offers some comfort, as they closed last season with three consecutive home league victories.
Toulouse, meanwhile, arrive with quiet optimism. Carles Martínez Novell’s side ended last season strongly, unbeaten in their final four games, and their 10th-place finish was the club’s best since returning to the top flight. However, a disastrous pre-season has raised concerns, with heavy defeats against Stuttgart (6-0) and RB Leipzig (7-0) exposing defensive frailties.
Despite that, Toulouse have reason to believe they can frustrate Nice. They have avoided defeat in two of their last three visits to the Allianz Riviera, including a 1-1 draw last season, and have not lost an opening Ligue 1 fixture in their last four campaigns.
Team News
Nice
The hosts enter the new season with several fitness headaches. Morgan Sanson, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, and Mohamed Abdelmonem are confirmed absentees, while veteran defender Dante, midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, and attackers Hicham Boudaoui and Mohamed-Ali Cho remain doubtful. Franck Haise may be forced to hand opportunities to younger squad members as he looks to patch together a competitive XI.
Toulouse
The visitors are also dealing with selection issues. Cristian Casseres is suspended, while Rasmus Nicolaisen faces a late fitness test. Injuries rule out Niklas Schmidt, Rafik Messali, Abu Francis, and Ilyas Azizi, leaving Martínez Novell with limited midfield options.
Predicted Lineups
Nice (3-4-3):
Diouf; Mendy, Bah, Oppong; Bard, Louchet, Boudaoui, Clauss; Jansson, Moffi, Bouanani
Toulouse (3-4-2-1):
Restes; Cresswell, McKenzie, Methalie; Donnum, Canvot, Sauer, Sidibe; Gboho, Edjouma; Magri
Prediction
Both sides have reason to be cautious. Nice’s injury concerns and recent European disappointment could hinder their rhythm, while Toulouse’s dreadful pre-season form makes them difficult to back with confidence. With the last two league meetings ending in 1-1 draws, a repeat feels like the most likely outcome.
We predict: Nice 1-1 Toulouse