France Set to Rotate Against Belgium as Mbappe and Upamecano Miss Out
France will alter their starting side for the Nations League meeting with Belgium as Zinedine Zidane manages injuries, suspension and a demanding international schedule. Les Bleus lead Group A1 on seven points but will be without captain Kylian Mbappe and defender Dayot Upamecano for their final match of the current camp.
What changed for France
Mbappe is unavailable after picking up a knee issue in France’s win over Turkey, while Upamecano must serve a suspension after his late dismissal in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Italy at the Stade de France.
Zidane said changes to the XI were unavoidable as France prepare for their fourth fixture of the period. His intention is to preserve freshness without reducing the side’s level against Belgium.
“There will definitely be changes,” Zidane said. “It is our fourth match and we cannot simply do anything. We will make intelligent decisions, above all to remain competitive.”
The France manager also sees selection rotation as a way to involve the wider squad. He said competition for places and shared responsibility were important within the national-team environment.
“It is about showing that everyone is involved and every player is committed to this team,” he said. “There is strong competition in the France squad.”
Zidane added that international management requires a different working rhythm from club football, though his approach with staff and players remains the same. He described the 15 days together as positive, while admitting there was frustration that the camp was nearing its end before “one last effort” against Belgium.
Competition context
France remain first in Nations League Group A1 with seven points. Their position has been built through victories over Turkey and Belgium, followed by the draw against Italy.
Belgium are second on six points. They lost 1-0 to France in Brussels but responded by beating Turkey 3-0, leaving the upcoming contest significant in the battle for group control and progression to the knockout stage.
- France: first in Group A1, 7 points
- Belgium: second in Group A1, 6 points
- Latest France result: France 1-1 Italy
- Belgium’s latest win: Belgium 3-0 Turkey
A France victory would put Zidane’s side in a considerably stronger position to secure qualification from the group.
What is scheduled next
France face Belgium in their final match of this international window, with Zidane expected to make calculated changes in response to Mbappe’s absence and Upamecano’s ban.
After the Belgium fixture, Les Bleus are due to regroup for their next international action in November.
