Saint-Denis hosts a familiar continental rivalry with fresh weight behind it: France meet Belgium at the Stade de France with first place in Nations League Group A1 at stake. Zinedine Zidane’s side begin the fourth matchday on seven points, one ahead of the visitors, after edging the Belgians in Brussels only a week ago.
Michael Olise’s 88th-minute goal decided that earlier meeting, but France have reshaped their forward line for the return. Dembélé wears the captain’s armband, while Barcola and Lepaul join him in attack as Zidane pursues his first home win.
Quick facts
- France lead Group A1 with seven points; Belgium are second, one point behind.
- Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
- The stadium holds approximately 81,300 spectators.
- Scotland’s Nick Walsh is referee, with Andrew Dallas assigned to VAR duties.
- France won the reverse fixture in Belgium through Olise’s 88th-minute strike.
France remain unbeaten in the group. They have recorded narrow victories away to both Turkey and Belgium, while their opening home fixture under Zidane ended level against Italy.
Belgium arrive having beaten Italy and Turkey convincingly, and a victory in Paris would move the Red Devils above their hosts. Mark van Bommel has selected Romelu Lukaku as captain, supported in the front three by Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira.
Teams selected in Saint-Denis
France start with Restes in goal. Jules Koundé, Leny Yoro, Maxence Lacroix and Diouf form the defence, with Manu Koné, Eduardo Camavinga and Akliouche in midfield.
Dembélé leads the French attack alongside Barcola and Lepaul. The substitutes are Maignan, Butez, Kalulu, Truffert, Rabiot, Da Cunha, Cherki, Olise and Doué.
Belgium name Vandervoot between the posts, behind a back line of Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele and Seys. Lavia, Raskin and Vanaken make up the midfield three.
Lukébakio, Diego Moreira and Lukaku lead the Belgian side. Van Bommel’s bench includes Penders, Lammens, Debast, Sabbe, Theate, De Cuyper, Keita, De Ketelaere, Fernández-Pardo, Godts, Openda and Trossard.
Suspension concerns
France must also manage a series of disciplinary risks. Upamecano, Lepaul and Koné would miss their next match if they receive a booking.
For Belgium, Ngoy, Raskin, Romeo Lavia, Lukébakio, Fernández-Pardo and Lukaku are all one yellow card away from a suspension. With the group lead separated by a single point, the evening in the northern Paris suburb carries consequences beyond the final whistle.
