France Stuns Belgium with 4-1 Comeback in Nations League Under Zidane's Coaching

In a thrilling Nations League match on October 5, 2026, the French national football team secured a commanding 4-1 comeback victory against Belgium at the Stade de France, marking a significant milestone in Zinedine Zidane's early coaching tenure. Despite falling behind after Belgium's Lukebakio scored in the 35th minute, France rallied impressively in the final quarter of the game, showcasing tactical adaptability and the potency of substitute players.

Zidane's strategic use of a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing possession and high pressing, was pivotal. Notably, Kylian Mbappé was repositioned to the left wing to diversify attacking options. The turning point came when Zidane introduced key substitutes around the 60th-minute mark, including Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Désiré Doué. Their impact was immediate and decisive: Doué scored the equalizer in the 77th minute, followed by Cherki’s goal at the 81st that put France ahead. Cherki continued to shine, scoring again late in the match, with Olise sealing the victory with two late goals in the 88th and stoppage time.

This victory was Zidane’s first on home turf as the French coach, sealing the team’s first gathering under his leadership with an unbeaten record of three wins and one draw. It also keeps France atop their Nations League group with 10 points, positioning them well for upcoming matches against Italy and Turkey in November. Coach Zidane's flexible squad selections and tactical innovation signal a promising new era for the French team, even as they aim to strengthen their defense during transitional moments.

Quotes from various match reports highlighted Zidane's impact: the tactical reshuffle and the substitutions were credited with transforming the match narrative, with one source noting the “transfiguration” of the team through its substitutes who scored four goals in just fifteen minutes. Cherki's performance in particular was lauded, as he now boasts 11 goals for the national team. While the early stages showed some vulnerability, the late-game domination affirmed Zidane’s capacity to inspire and adapt his squad at critical moments.