Zinédine Zidane Leads France to Second UEFA Nations League Win Amid Key Squad Changes

Zinédine Zidane's French national team secured a second consecutive victory in the 2026 UEFA Nations League, defeating Belgium in Brussels on September 28. Zidane continued to adapt his squad following a narrow 1-0 win against Turkey in his coaching debut, implementing nine changes to the lineup. Notably absent was star forward Kylian Mbappé, sidelined due to a hyperextended left knee, leading Zidane to replace him with Barcola on the left wing.

Zidane gave debuts to promising talents, including forward Estéban Lepaul, midfielders Andy Diouf and Lucas Da Cunha, and defender Jérémy Jacquet. Da Cunha, who has flourished at Italian club Côme under coach Cesc Fabregas, credited this repositioning and mentorship for his development and expressed gratitude ahead of his first cap. Other returning players Camavinga, Akliouche, and Kalulu rejoined the squad, while only goalkeeper Maignan and defender Lacroix retained their previous starting positions. Several experienced internationals like Dembélé and Rabiot were rested.

Historically, France has dominated Belgium in official matches, having won their last seven encounters since 1981. The upcoming fixture tested Zidane’s tactical versatility and squad depth against a strong Belgian side led by coach Mark van Bommel. With the Belgian squad recently capturing a 2-0 win over Italy, France’s convincing 2-0 victory solidifies Zidane’s promising start as head coach and highlights the emergence of new talents shaping the team’s future trajectory.