Ice Hockey Aims to Captivate France’s Major Cities at 2026 Olympics

Ice hockey is gaining momentum across France, with major cities embracing the sport ahead of the 2026 Olympics. The recent match between Marseille’s Spartiates and the Ducs d’Angers in Ligue Magnus highlights this trend.

Event Overview

The game took place on January 21, 2026, at the Palais Omnisports Marseille Grand Est. Despite falling slightly below average attendance, nearly 4,000 fans turned out to support their local team. This figure is close to the season’s average of around 4,900 spectators.

Football and Ice Hockey in Marseille

Later that evening, the city hosted another major event: Olympique de Marseille faced Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League at Stade-Vélodrome. Jonathan Zwikel, general manager of the Spartiates, noted the rising popularity of ice hockey, stating, “After football, we are the city’s second biggest sport.”

Growth Beyond Traditional Areas

Ice hockey’s reach has expanded significantly across France. Traditionally dominated by mountainous regions, the sport now thrives in urban centers like Nice, Bordeaux, and Marseille. This changing landscape is reflected in the national team’s composition.

National Team Composition

As the men’s national team prepared for their Olympic tournament in Milan, Italy, 12 of the 25 players hailed from major cities. This inclusivity marks a significant shift, indicating that ice hockey is no longer just a sport reserved for the Alps or established teams in Rouen and Grenoble.

Conclusion

The rise of ice hockey in France’s prominent cities underscores its growing appeal as fans rally behind their local teams. The excitement surrounding the sport is set to escalate as the nation prepares for the upcoming Olympics in 2026.