Zidane launches his first gathering, RMC reveals its ideal eleven
The Blues capped off their first gathering under the direction of Zinedine Zidane in style, overturning Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France on Monday evening, while the editorial team publishes its official ideal starting eleven.
Stunning Victory Against Belgium
The match, played at the Stade de France, ended with a four‑to‑one score in favour of France. This victory marks the third success in four Nations League fixtures, bolstering the Blues' confidence less than a month before the next call‑up from the manager. The crowd witnessed a dominant attacking performance, highlighted by four goals and control of the game.
Zidane's Tactical Choices
Zidane arrives unbeaten from four Nations League matches, with three wins and a draw, after tight victories over Turkey (1‑0) and Belgium (1‑0) followed by a frustrating draw against Italy (1‑1). The nickname “Zizou” as manager already resonates among the players. He imposed an offensive philosophy from the outset, relying on the unique tricolour talent pool up front. At the same time, he experimented with inexperienced full‑backs and placed trust in Lucas Da Cunha and Rayan Cherki in midfield.
The starting eleven proposed by
The editorial team voted for a starting eleven, with Mike Maignan elected undisputed goalkeeper thanks to thirty votes, the only player sharing unanimity with Michael Olise. In central defence, Dayot Upamecano gathered twenty‑seven votes, while Jérémy Jacquet received twenty‑six, highlighting his influence despite his young age.
Nations League: Rayan Cherki shines at the Stade de France
On the flanks, Adrien Truffert was selected on the left with twenty‑six votes, ahead of Andy Diouf who is not accustomed to that position. On the right, Jules Koundé prevailed with sixteen votes, eclipsing the deserving Pierre Kalulu who received fourteen.
In midfield, Lucas Da Cunha, called up for the first time, earned twenty‑six votes, securing a place. Rayan Cherki, repositioned in a three‑man midfield, also received twenty‑six votes, while Eduardo Camavinga, back after missing the 2026 World Cup, gathered twenty‑eight votes.
Up front, Michael Olise dominated with thirty votes, thanks to his four goals and two assists during the gathering. Désiré Doué, who scored one goal and provided two assists in eighteen minutes against Belgium, received twenty‑nine votes. Kylian Mbappé persuaded the journalists with seventeen votes, relegating Ousmane Dembélé, who only earned eight, to the bench.
Rayan Cherki explains his new role after the Blues' victory
The next two matches for the Blues, led by Zinedine Zidane, will take place on November 12 and 15, respectively in Italy and against Turkey. It will be enough for the Blues not to lose to the Italians to secure their qualification for the Nations League quarter‑finals.