Zidane signals lineup changes and praises Cherki and Dembélé ahead Of France‑Belgium clash

France coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed that his starting XI will be altered for the upcoming match against Belgium, though he refused to reveal the exact number of changes. The manager hinted that the adjustments will become clear on match day, stating, "Des changements, il va y en avoir, c’est sûr. Combien ? Vous le verrez demain."

Zidane turned the press conference into a showcase for two of his most promising attackers. He lauded 19‑year‑old Rayan Cherki as "un joueur de ballon" after the youngster’s impressive display against Turkey, highlighting his ability to find space between the lines and deliver decisive passes. "He can play between the lines and create chances," the coach added, underscoring Cherki’s growing importance to the squad.

The French boss also gave a light‑hearted update on Ousmane Dembélé, who will captain the side in Kylian Mbappé’s absence. Zidane joked about the winger’s workload, saying, "Il pourrait peut-être jouer les quatre matchs. Ce n’est pas ce qu’on va faire… je donne une info là," while emphasizing Dembélé’s physical attributes and leadership qualities.

France criticises Dembélé, rated 4/10 when he played as centre‑forward

When asked about Belgium’s new manager, former Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel, Zidane recalled past encounters, noting that the two have different tactical styles. "On n’a pas tout à fait le même style, parce que c’est plutôt lui qui me chargeait et qui me donnait des petites boîtes," he said, praising van Bommel’s character and personality.

The overall tone of the briefing was upbeat, with Zidane deliberately downplaying the stakes of the encounter to keep the squad relaxed. He stressed that maintaining a positive atmosphere is crucial ahead of what promises to be a high‑intensity showdown with the Red Devils.

Zidane wants Cherki as France's offensive pivot

France will now focus on fine‑tuning their formation, with the coach’s hints suggesting a possible reshuffle that could see Cherki and Dembélé feature more prominently. The final lineup is expected to be announced shortly before kickoff, setting the stage for a tactical battle between two seasoned managers.