Brussels awaits a changed France on Monday, with Zinedine Zidane set to rotate his side for the Nations League meeting with Belgium and Kylian Mbappé unavailable after suffering an injury against Turkey on Friday.
The Group A1 fixture comes early in a compact international programme for the new France coach, who has used the opening days of the gathering to balance recovery work with preparations. After beginning their campaign against Turkey, Les Bleus travel to the Belgian capital before returning home for two October dates at the Stade de France.
France prepare changes in Brussels
- Mbappé was injured in Friday’s match against Turkey and will miss the trip to Belgium.
- Zidane confirmed that his starting XI will be altered for Monday’s second Group A1 game, though he declined to say how extensive the changes would be.
- France have largely rested and received treatment since Friday rather than conducting intensive training sessions, with four fixtures scheduled in a short period.
- After the Brussels match, France will host Italy on 2 October and Belgium on 5 October at the Stade de France.
“There will be changes,” Zidane said. “How many? You will see tomorrow. We knew there were four matches in a very short time, so we will rotate the squad a little.”
The former Real Madrid manager believes France will grow into his methods as the camp develops. His stated aim is for the team to regain possession quickly, control the ball and make their running while in possession rather than chasing without it.
A new camp and a difficult opponent
Zidane said the initial international window has also been an opportunity for players and staff to become familiar with one another, while insisting that competitive priorities remain unchanged.
“These days are mainly about getting to know each other, but the objective is to prepare for matches and win them,” he said. “We are competitors and we want to win.”
He also urged his players to value their time with the national side, reflecting on the speed with which a playing career passes. Zidane, 54, told them to enjoy each moment because representing France is an experience to be lived fully.
Belgium arrive with the standing of World Cup quarter-finalists and, in Zidane’s view, will offer the sort of demanding test France need at this stage of the new cycle.
“They are a very good team,” he said. “They had an excellent World Cup, with outstanding individual players and a strong collective spirit. We know it will be difficult, and that is what makes it exciting.”
Zidane on Van Bommel
France’s coach was also asked about Belgium’s new manager, Mark van Bommel, the former Netherlands midfielder known during his career for a robust presence in the centre of the pitch.
Zidane recalled that their approaches as players differed, joking that Van Bommel was generally the one who went after him. Yet he expressed admiration for the Belgian coach’s forceful character, adding that he appreciates such players most when they are wearing his own shirt.
