Belgium target France upset in Zidane's latest test

Belgium can take a major step towards the Nations League quarter-finals by beating France at the Stade de France. The match is also a test of Mark van Bommel’s rebuilding project against a French side led by Zinedine Zidane.

The Belgians sit second in their League A group with six points, one behind France. The top two advance to the quarter-finals, which will be played over two legs in March 2027. Belgium still has two November fixtures after this match, but a victory in Saint-Denis would strengthen its position before the final phase.

Belgium must overcome a run of six consecutive defeats to France. The latest meeting ended 1-0 to the French in Brussels, with Michael Olise scoring the only goal. France drew 1-1 with Italy in its previous game and will be without Kylian Mbappe, while defender Dayot Upamecano is suspended.

Van Bommel also faces changes in midfield. Kevin De Bruyne and captain Youri Tielemans are both suspended, opening the possibility of Leandro Trossard moving into a central attacking role behind Charles De Ketelaere, with Mika Godts on the left. Nicolas Raskin and Romeo Lavia could form the deeper pairing. The Belgian coach has highlighted his team’s physical output, saying its running, high-intensity work and repeated sprints have broken records in each of its first three matches. That intensity is expected to underpin an aggressive press against France’s transition threat.