Zidane ready to make changes ahead of crucial Belgium clash
Zinedine Zidane will shuffle his France side for Monday’s Nations League meeting with Belgium, with Les Bleus leading their Group A1 rivals by just one point after three matches.
France’s campaign has been complicated by the absence of Kylian Mbappe through injury and Dayot Upamecano through suspension. Those setbacks have forced Zidane to draw on his squad depth, but the former Real Madrid coach is happy with the options available.
“There will be changes, that’s for sure. It is our fourth match, and we can’t just do anything,” Zidane told reporters.
“We will make smart changes, and above all, we will do it to be competitive.”
Zinedine Zidane
The 1998 World Cup winner wants rotation to keep his players sharp while strengthening their sense of involvement.
“It is to show that we are all involved and that all the players are committed to this team, to demonstrate that there is a lot of competition within the French national team,” he said.
Belgium pose another tactical test
France won the reverse fixture 1–0 through a late Michael Olise strike. Zidane nevertheless expects a stern examination from Mark van Bommel’s side at the Stade de France.
“They played very well in the first match against us and caused us tactical difficulties,” he said.
“They are capable of many things. Against Turkiye, they posed problems for the opposition, so they are strong both collectively and individually,” added the France boss.
Having replaced long-serving coach Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup, Zidane is enjoying the demands of leading the national team — including the tension that comes with the role.
“I have always felt it, and I like it. I like feeling that tension, I enjoy it,” he said.
“But what I love most of all is what I do – being with the players, with this group, that is what I enjoy.
“The demands are the same, but the difference is that the work with the national team differs from that at club level.”
