Belgium-France: France's lineup changes under Zidane

Under the lights of the Brussels stadium, the Bleus are set to face Belgium this Monday evening, three days after the 0-1 victory in Turkey, the first meeting of Zinedine Zidane at the head of the French national team. The match is part of the second matchday of the Nations League.

Massive rotation by Zidane

The new manager has made nine changes to the starting eleven compared to the Turkish match, keeping only goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who will wear the captain’s armband, and defender Maxence Lacroix. This decision, announced in advance, marks a real overhaul of the team.

Among the newcomers, Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet and Lucas Da Cunha earn their first call‑ups, while Estéban Lepaul gets his first start after making his debut on Friday. These additions illustrate Zidane’s desire to assess young options.

The announced French eleven is as follows: Maignan – Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Diouf – Camavinga, Da Cunha, Akliouche – Doué, Lepaul, Barcola.

Zidane compares his style to Van Bommel ahead of duel with Belgium

Changes to the Belgian eleven

For his part, Mark Van Bommel makes a few adjustments: Maxim De Cuyper gives up his place to Joaquin Seys at left‑back, the defence otherwise remaining unchanged. In midfield, Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne start, Nicolas Raskin being replaced by Roméo Lavia, who shone against Italy.

The Belgian attack does not move, Diego Moreira keeps his position on the right despite Dodi Lukebakio’s good performance. The Belgian eleven presented is: Lammens – Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, Seys – Tielemans, Lavia – Moreira, De Bruyne, Godts – De Ketelaere.

The two coaches adopt contrasting approaches: Van Bommel slightly tweaks his squad, while Zidane lines up a team described as “B”, without Dembélé or Olise, and relies on Doué, Lepaul and Barcola up front, supported by the revelation of Côme, Da Cunha, Eduardo Camavinga and the neo‑Parisian Akliouche in midfield.

Zidane backs Doué false 9, Barcola and Camavinga kickoff vs Belgium

This near‑total set of changes highlights Zidane’s experimentation at the start of the Nations League, giving the Bleus the chance to gauge the depth of their squad before the upcoming fixtures.