Preview: Chantilly U19 Hosts Pontarlier U19 in Coupe Gambardella Round of 64

CHANTILLY, France (Interstat) — A spot in the Coupe Gambardella round of 32 will be on the line Sunday when Chantilly U19 hosts Pontarlier U19 in a French youth football knockout clash.

The match, scheduled for Jan. 18, 2026, pits two sides looking to advance in the country’s premier U19 domestic cup competition. The Gambardella Cup is a single-elimination tournament featuring youth academies from across France.

The home side enters the fixture following a prolonged break from competitive action. Chantilly’s last recorded match was a 2-0 home defeat to Bordeaux U19 on Jan. 29, 2023. The lengthy gap suggests a period of squad turnover and development for the Chantilly academy.

Pontarlier U19 also has not played a match in three years, with its most recent result a 2-1 home loss to Drancy JA U19 on Jan. 8, 2023. The extended hiatus for both clubs adds an element of unpredictability to the matchup, with current form and squad composition largely unknown.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Chantilly holds a slight edge as the projected favorite. The simulation predicts a 2-1 victory for the home side at the final whistle.

Historically, the Coupe Gambardella provides a platform for France’s top teenage prospects, with many alumni progressing to professional careers. The knockout format ensures a high-stakes environment from the earliest rounds.

Kickoff is set for Sunday at Chantilly’s home venue. The winner will advance to the competition’s round of 32, continuing the pursuit of one of the most prestigious titles in French youth football.