🗓️ Date: Sunday 15 February 2026

🕒 Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

🏟️ Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff

🎟️ Tickets: Available via the WRU

📺 How to Watch: Live on BBC (UK) - more TV info here.

Gallic flair and Welsh fire

Wales and France meet in Round 2 of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations in what promises to be a compelling clash at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. With both sides boasting 51 wins apiece from their 105 previous encounters, this fixture on paper is as evenly matched as it gets.

France arrive as reigning champions, though, having dismantled Wales 43–0 in Paris during the 2025 opener - their largest-ever winning margin over the Welsh. That result extended Wales’ Six Nations losing streak and marked a low point in their campaign. But with a new coaching set-up and emerging stars like Jac Morgan and Dafydd Jenkins, Wales are determined to turn the tide in 2026.

Past matches have witnessed some of the most breathtaking passages of action in recent memory, both sides' willingness to play expansive rugby getting the crowd on their feet and pulses racing.

Key Storylines

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales’ rebuild: After a winless 2025 campaign, Wales enter 2026 with renewed optimism after ending their losing streak out in Japan over the summer. Can Wales' world-class duo of Jac Morgan, the top tackler in last year’s Championship, and Tomos Williams drag their teammates over the line?

🇫🇷 France’s firepower: Not only do they boast 2025's Guinness Player of the Championship in the brilliant Louis Bielle-Biarrey, but also that year's top points scorer (Thomas Ramos, 71) and try assist machine (Antoine Dupont, 7).

🔥 Cardiff factor: Wales have historically performed better at home. Of their 52 home fixtures against France, they’ve won 30 and drawn 2. The Principality Stadium, with its 73,931 capacity and roofed cauldron atmosphere, could be the difference-maker.

Head-to-Head Snapshot

• Total Matches: 105

• Wins: Wales 51 | France 51 | Draws 3

• Largest Win (France): 43–0 (2025, Paris)

• Largest Win (Wales): 49–14 (1910, Swansea)

What to Expect

This is a litmus test for Wales’ progress and a chance for France to reinforce their dominance. Expect physicality, flair, and a crowd roaring for redemption. With the Championship table still wide open in Round 2, this could be a pivotal moment in the Championship narrative.

Visting Cardiff for the match? Here's a handy guide to help you navigate the historic Welsh capital.