France are expected to turn to Desire Doue in place of absent captain Kylian Mbappe when they face Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, 28 September 2026.
Zinedine Zidane’s side will visit the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels for the second round of Group A, with both teams preparing for a meeting shaped by several notable absences. The changes have affected both squads, including France’s starting plans without Mbappe.
France are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Mike Maignan in goal and Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix and Adrien Truffert forming the defence.
Eduardo Camavinga and Adrien Rabiot are expected to join Rayan Cherki in midfield. Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola are set to support Desire Doue in the attacking three, with Doue positioned as the likely replacement for Mbappe.
Probable line-ups
Zidane’s possible France XI is:
Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, Adrien Truffert; Rayan Cherki, Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue.
Belgium manager Mark van Bommel is also expected to make changes for the Group A contest.
Senne Lammens is projected to start behind a back four of Timothy Castagne, Lois Ngoy, Zeno Debast and Maxim De Cuyper. Youri Tielemans and Romeo Lavia are set to anchor the midfield.
Belgium’s attacking options are expected to include Dodi Lukebakio, Kevin De Bruyne, Diego Moreira and Charles De Ketelaere.
Van Bommel’s probable Belgium XI is:
Senne Lammens; Timothy Castagne, Lois Ngoy, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper; Youri Tielemans, Romeo Lavia; Dodi Lukebakio, Kevin De Bruyne, Diego Moreira, Charles De Ketelaere.
Kick-off at the Stade Roi Baudouin is scheduled for 18:45 GMT.
