Le Havre AC is one of France’s oldest football clubs, competing in Ligue 1 in the 2026/27 season. The Normandy side’s story combines a long domestic history, a respected youth academy and a current squad that includes Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta. This guide covers Le Havre’s background, recent results, league position, players and key achievements.
For supporters in Tanzania, Samatta provides a direct connection to French top-flight football. Le Havre’s changing league form also makes it important to distinguish its historical record from dated 2026/27 statistics.
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Le Havre AC team profile
| Club name | Le Havre Athletic Club |
| Short name | Le Havre AC (HAC) |
| Founded | 1872 (club tradition); association football section established in 1894 |
| City | Le Havre, Normandy, France |
| Competition | French Ligue 1, 2026/27 |
| Home ground | Stade Océane (currently branded Stade CMA CGM Océane) |
| Club colours | Sky blue and navy blue |
| Nicknames | Les Ciel et Marine; Le Club Doyen |
| Interim head coach (as at 5 Nov 2026) | Jaïr Karam |
| Tanzanian player | Mbwana Samatta |
Le Havre AC history and major trophies
Le Havre traces its sporting origins to 1872, while its association football section dates from 1894. The club won French championships in 1899 and 1900 under the early amateur-era structure. Those titles are separate from the modern professional Ligue 1 record.
The club’s landmark domestic success was the 1959 Coupe de France. Le Havre has also been a prolific winner in the second tier, collecting six French second-division titles. Its most recent Ligue 2 championship in 2022/23 returned the team to the top flight.
Le Havre AC fixtures and results in 2026/27
Le Havre’s early Ligue 1 results in 2026/27 showed a difficult opening run. The club drew away to Lyon and at home to Angers but failed to win any of its opening nine league matches. Its most recent completed fixture as of 5 November was a 5–1 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on 30 October.
The previous five completed Ligue 1 scores were Lille 1–0 Le Havre, Le Havre 1–3 Auxerre, Marseille 4–3 Le Havre and Le Havre 1–5 PSG, preceded by Toulouse 3–2 Le Havre. The side’s next scheduled league match was against Lorient on 8 November 2026, although fixture details can change.
For match schedules and other football information, consult SportPesa Score or official Ligue 1 updates rather than relying on a fixed article for changing kickoff times.
Le Havre Ligue 1 standings and statistics
After Matchday 9 on 30 October 2026, Le Havre were bottom of Ligue 1 with two points. Their record was zero wins, two draws and seven defeats, with nine goals scored and 20 conceded, giving a goal difference of minus 11.
Those figures are a dated snapshot, not live standings. Form, goals and league position will change as further fixtures are played.
Le Havre squad: Mbwana Samatta and key players
Tanzania international Mbwana Samatta is an important point of interest in Le Havre’s 2026/27 squad. The forward scored in the club’s 1–1 draw with Lyon and its 3–2 loss to Toulouse, taking his early-season Ligue 1 tally to two goals.
Other players appearing in Le Havre’s first-team squad during the season include goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart, midfielder Junior Mwanga and forward Josh Maja. Maja scored in the 5–1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on 30 October.
Squad lists can change following transfers, injuries and new registrations. Le Havre’s official club information is the best reference for a complete current roster and shirt numbers.
Mbwana Samatta at Le Havre: why it matters in Tanzania
Samatta’s presence in Ligue 1 gives Tanzanian supporters another route into European club football. Having played at club and international level across different leagues, he brings experience to a team competing for points against established French opposition.
His early goals against Lyon and Toulouse show his ability to contribute even during difficult team performances. Supporters following his appearances can compare individual match contributions with Le Havre’s wider results instead of judging his season solely by the league table.
Le Havre academy and player development
Le Havre is known for developing footballers through its youth system. Players associated with its development programme include Paul Pogba, Riyad Mahrez, Steve Mandanda and Lassana Diarra. The club’s long-term identity therefore extends beyond the fortunes of a single Ligue 1 season.
Le Havre’s managerial change in November 2026
On 31 October 2026, Le Havre announced that head coach Didier Digard had been placed on precautionary suspension while a procedure was ongoing. The club appointed Jaïr Karam, then director of the academy, to lead the first team on an interim basis from 2 November.
The announcement followed Le Havre’s difficult opening nine league fixtures. The appointment was expressly interim as of the club’s statement; it should not be treated as a permanent managerial change without further confirmation.
Le Havre trophies and achievements
Le Havre’s best-known honours include the Coupe de France in 1959 and six French second-division championships, the latest in 2023. The club also won the Challenge des Champions in 1959 and the Coupe Charles Drago in 1962. Its 1899 and 1900 titles belong to the earlier amateur championship era.
Where to follow Le Havre and Ligue 1
Find additional club coverage in SportPesa Tanzania’s Le Havre vs Monaco article, while SportPesa Score is a destination for football scores, schedules and standings. For relevant football fixtures and available market information, use SportPesa Tanzania.
Frequently asked questions about Le Havre AC
Which country is Le Havre AC from?
Le Havre AC is based in Le Havre, Normandy, France.
Who is the Tanzanian footballer at Le Havre?
Mbwana Samatta is the Tanzanian striker in Le Havre’s 2026/27 first-team squad.
How many Ligue 2 championships has Le Havre won?
Le Havre has won six French second-division championships, most recently in 2023.
Who was Le Havre’s coach in November 2026?
Jaïr Karam was appointed interim head coach from 2 November 2026 after Didier Digard was placed on precautionary suspension.
Le Havre AC season outlook
Le Havre AC remains an important French football institution because of its history, academy and domestic achievements. The 2026/27 season started poorly, but Mbwana Samatta’s contributions gave Tanzanian followers a significant individual storyline. Keep track of Le Havre’s fixtures, results and league position through updated football information as the season develops.
