France faces Belgium in Nations League clash with new captain and revamped lineup
France will meet Belgium in a Nations League match at Stade Roi Baudouin, fielding Mike Maignan as captain and a largely altered squad without Kylian Mbappé.
Following a victory in Turkey, the France national team heads to Brussels for a Nations League encounter with Belgium at Stade Roi Baudouin, where around 2,000 French supporters are expected. Coach Zinédine Zidane has overhauled the side, making nine changes; only goalkeeper Mike Maignan and defender Lacroix stay from the previous match. Maignan, now captain, celebrates his 50th appearance.
Kylian Mbappé is absent due to a knee injury and will miss the next three fixtures, a point of contention among fans. Belgium fields a strong XI with Kevin De Bruyne, Roméo Lavia replacing Raskin, and Seys taking the left-back role, while goalkeeper Lammens guards the net. The fixture marks the 79th meeting between the two nations, with Belgium holding a slight historical edge.
Why it matters
The match tests France's new lineup and leadership ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures.
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