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

After the 0-1 victory in Turkey, the French national team is preparing to face Belgium in Brussels this Monday at 20:45. In the absence of Kylian Mbappé, Zinedine Zidane is considering three major changes: Désiré Doué up front, Bradley Barcola on the wing and Eduardo Camavinga in midfield.

Announced tactical changes

Zidane indicated that Doué would be tested as a false number 9, replacing Ousmane Dembélé. Barcola, for his part, should occupy the right flank, while Camavinga would be in the starting eleven in midfield alongside Rayan Cherki and Adrien Rabiot.

The coach also recalled the defence used in Turkey, with the central duo Upamecano‑Lacroix, Koundé on the right and Truffert on the left. Mike Maignan would remain in goal, thus ensuring continuity behind the defensive line.

Pre‑match clues and discussions

During the pre‑match session at the King Baudouin Stadium, Zidane had a long exchange with Ousmane Dembélé, ending with a pat on the PSG player's shoulder. “He is good, he is happy. He could perhaps play the four matches,” the coach said at the press conference, hinting that Dembélé remains in the squad despite his initial absence.

Zidane hands the armband to Ousmane Dembélé during Mbappé's absence

The staff worked on pair and trio combinations, aiming to confuse the opponent's scouting. With a squad reduced to twenty‑two players, the permutations are limited, but Zidane emphasized positional flexibility, notably by testing Doué up front.

If the three changes are confirmed, it will be the same number of adjustments as in the previous match, highlighting the desire to maintain a stable base while adapting the attack to Mbappé's absence.

Zidane puts Dembélé in charge of the Bleus after Mbappé's injury

The likely lineup for the French side looks like this: Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert – Cherki, Camavinga, Rabiot – Olise, Barcola, Doué.