Belgium v France: Zidane names Desire Doue in probable XI for Nations League clash

France are expected to turn to Desire Doue in place of captain Kylian Mbappe when they visit Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, 28 September 2026.

The Group A fixture will be played at the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels, with both sides preparing for a reshaped contest because of several notable absences.

Zinedine Zidane’s probable France line-up is set to feature Doue in a front three alongside Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola. The visitors are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation.

Mike Maignan is likely to start in goal, with Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix and Adrien Truffert forming the defence.

Rayan Cherki, Eduardo Camavinga and Adrien Rabiot are expected to make up the midfield, while Olise, Barcola and Doue lead the attack.

France’s probable XI:

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 name a side affected by the changes to both squads.

Senne Lammens is projected to start behind a defence of Timothy Castagne, Lois Ngoy, Zeno Debast and Maxim De Cuyper.

Youri Tielemans and Romeo Lavia are likely to anchor the midfield, with Dodi Lukebakio, Kevin De Bruyne, Diego Moreira and Charles De Ketelaere completing the probable line-up.

Belgium’s probable XI:

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 is scheduled for 18:45 GMT.