Honestly, if you're a PSG fan right now, you’re probably still scratching your head after that bizarre week. One minute, they're the kings of Europe. The next, they’re losing a local derby to a newly-promoted side in the cup. Football is weird. But the focus has to shift immediately because the Paris Saint-Germain next match is a massive trip to Lisbon to face Sporting CP.
This isn't just another group stage game; it's Matchday 7 of the 2025/26 Champions League "League Phase."
The date is set for Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Kickoff is at 9:00 PM local time (CET) at the Estádio José Alvalade. If you’re watching from the States, that’s 3:00 PM ET.
Why the Stakes Are Higher Than Usual
PSG is in a bit of a funk. They just got dumped out of the Coupe de France by Paris FC. Yes, you read that right. A 1-0 loss to their city rivals who just made it to the top flight. Luis Enrique was visibly frustrated in his post-match presser, basically telling everyone to calm down because "football doesn't work by just winning every game."
He's right, but the fans are restless.
Lens is currently sitting at the top of Ligue 1, and PSG is trailing by a point. This Champions League fixture is the "reset" button. If they win in Portugal, the cup loss becomes a footnote. If they lose? Well, the "crisis" talk starts getting very loud in the French media.
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The Sporting CP vs Paris Saint-Germain Lowdown
Sporting isn't a team you just walk over. They’ve been incredibly disciplined this season. For the Paris Saint-Germain next match, the tactical battle is going to be fascinating. Luis Enrique loves possession, but Sporting thrives on that specific brand of Portuguese counter-attacking chaos.
They catch you high. They hurt you fast.
Breaking Down the Squad Situation
The medical room at the Parc des Princes is a bit crowded lately. It's actually kind of a mess.
- Kang-In Lee is still struggling with that left thigh injury. He’s been training alone, and most reports suggest he’s a massive doubt for Lisbon.
- João Neves is the one that hurts. He’s got a muscle issue, and losing his work rate in the midfield is a huge blow for Enrique’s "control" philosophy.
- Achraf Hakimi and Ibrahim Mbaye are both away on international duty.
- Matvey Safonov has a broken hand, so don't expect him in goal.
- Quentin Ndjantou is definitely out with a hamstring tear.
On the bright side? Ousmane Dembélé is back. He’s the current Ballon d'Or holder, and when he’s on, he’s unplayable. The problem is consistency. Some days he looks like the best player on the planet; other days he couldn't find the back of the net if it was the size of a barn.
How to Watch the Paris Saint-Germain Next Match
If you aren't lucky enough to be in Lisbon, you've got options. In the U.S., Paramount+ is the home for the Champions League. It’s the easiest way to see it. For the UK fans, it’s TNT Sports.
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For the Ligue 1 games that follow—specifically the trip to Auxerre on January 23—you’re looking at beIN SPORTS or Fubo.
The "Paris Saint-Germain Next Match" Schedule at a Glance
Let’s look at the immediate horizon. It’s a grueling run.
- Jan 20: Sporting CP vs PSG (Champions League)
- Jan 23: Auxerre vs PSG (Ligue 1)
- Jan 28: PSG vs Newcastle (Champions League)
- Feb 1: Strasbourg vs PSG (Ligue 1)
Four games in twelve days. That is brutal. Especially with the injury list we just talked about.
What the Experts are Saying
Luis Enrique has been defending his team’s "identity" tooth and nail. He mentioned recently that people expect PSG to win every single trophy every single year, but the reality is that the level of competition has caught up.
Lens is on a nine-match winning streak.
Sporting is playing some of the best football in their recent history.
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The nuance here is that PSG isn't actually playing badly. In that loss to Paris FC, they had 25 shots. Seven on target. They just couldn't score. It was one of those "the ball won't go in" nights. But in the Champions League, you don't get 25 chances. You get three or four.
Prediction: Can They Bounce Back?
Lisbon is a tough place to play. The atmosphere at the Alvalade is intense. Without Hakimi's runs down the right and Neves' stability in the middle, PSG is vulnerable.
However, Bradley Barcola and Vitinha have been stepping up. If Vitinha can dictate the tempo and prevent Sporting from breaking at speed, PSG should have enough quality to scrape a result.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the Paris Saint-Germain next match, here is what you need to do to stay updated:
- Check the Tuesday Lineup: Keep an eye out about 60 minutes before kickoff (8:00 PM CET). If Dembélé is starting on the right, expect a high-volume attacking game. If Enrique goes more conservative with a "false nine" setup, it'll be a slow burner.
- Monitor the International Duty Returns: Hakimi's absence is the biggest tactical hole. See how Warren Zaïre-Emery or Nuno Mendes adjust to cover that right side.
- Watch the Ligue 1 Standings: The Auxerre match on Friday is arguably more important for the domestic title race. If Lens wins their weekend fixture, the pressure on PSG for that Friday night game will be through the roof.
The season is at a tipping point. One week you're a treble winner, the next you're answering questions about a cup exit. That's the life of a Parisian.
The focus now is Lisbon. 9:00 PM. Tuesday. See you there.
To keep track of everything, make sure your streaming subscriptions for Paramount+ and beIN SPORTS are active, as the schedule moves fast from here on out. Be ready for a high-intensity clash in Portugal that will likely define the momentum for the rest of the winter period.