Ready to go – the Open de France Barnes’s draw is done

The Open de France BARNES, one of the most significant tournaments of the international calendar of polo as well as France’s most important competition, has revealed the draw, which was conducted on Friday August 21 at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly, located in La Ferme d’Apremont, in France. The Open de France, that will run through Wednesday September 3 to Sunday September 20, will see twelve lineups between 14 and 16 goals, partake. Teams are split in four leagues.

 

The 2026 edition of the prestigious contest will showcase an unusual format. The three teams in Group A will play all three teams in Group B; teams in Group C will clash against those in Group D. This means that each foursome without facing either of the other teams in their own group. By the end of the cross-group matches, all twelve teams will be brought together in a single overall ranking, with the top eight qualifying for the quarter-finals. There will therefore be little opportunity to calculate a comfortable route out of a group: every result will count in a common race for those eight places.

 

The leagues have been set as follows:

  • Group A: Essso, Arho, Etemal J.
  • Group B: Octogone, Sainte-Mesme, Talandracas.
  • Group C: Akasha, Tédélou, La Esperanza.
  • Grupo D: Kazak, Jolly Roger y Clinova.

 

Group A & B is very attractive, indeed, with defending champions, Octogone, aiming to retain the title. Alexis Morange’s foursome’s contenders are Essso, Arho and Eternal J., as well as double Open de France champions, Sainte Mesme.

On the other side of the draw, there’s Akasha, Tédélou and La Esperanza (Group C), who will clash against Kazak, Jolly Roger and Clinova (Group D). Another very even league and very difficult to predict any favourite before the kickoff.

The 2026 Open de France brings enourmous expectations; twelve lineups made of the most remarkable players, including many with experience of the Argentine Polo Open Championship, played at the mighty Palermo. In addition, it’s worth noticing that several new young guns will take part of the tournament, with the goal to display their skills in such a competitive contest.

 

The draw is done, and the final countdown to the 2026 Open de France BARNES; all that’s left is that the games begin.