Zinedine Zidane targets set-piece improvement as France prepare to face Belgium

Zinedine Zidane is seeking to make France more effective from set pieces after identifying the area as a priority since succeeding Didier Deschamps as national team manager following the 2026 World Cup.

French newspaper L’Equipe reported that Zidane wants to improve France’s performance in dead-ball situations, which he believes still require further development in the next phase of the team’s progress.

Much of the responsibility has been given to his assistant, David Bettoni, who has a particular interest in set-piece routines. Zidane, however, accepts that his coaching staff have not yet had enough time to work extensively on the issue since taking charge.

“We are working on it as a team, but my assistant David Bettoni is mainly responsible because he pays particular attention to these phases of play,” Zidane said, according to Foot Mercato.

“We have not had much time to work on set pieces so far, but it is an extremely important aspect for me, of course.”

Set plays were previously an effective weapon for Zidane during his time in charge of Real Madrid. His side relied heavily on the delivery and technical quality of players including Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, while Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo provided significant aerial and attacking threats.

The challenge with France is different. Zidane must adapt his approach to a new group of players and is already exploring alternative ways of creating danger from corners and free-kicks.

During the match against Italy, France notably looked to make greater use of the technical ability of their attacking players. Several of those players were positioned outside the penalty area when corners were taken, rather than being placed directly in the box.

That approach is now expected to be developed further as France attempt to become more efficient in this area of the game. The next opportunity could come against Belgium, with the two sides meeting on Monday evening.

France face Belgium at the Stade de France in the fourth round of the Nations League. France currently lead the group on seven points, while Belgium are second with six.

Zidane’s focus on set pieces represents part of a wider attempt to discover new playing patterns with the national team. Although the work remains at an early stage, the former Real Madrid manager has made clear that he considers dead-ball situations an important part of France’s development under his leadership.