Nations League: Zidane achieves his first success with a revamped squad.

Sep 28, 2026

With a largely revamped lineup and several newcomers, Zinedine Zidane secured a bold victory against Belgium (1-0). Although dominant yet often clumsy, the French team made the difference late in the match thanks to a moment of brilliance from Michaël Olise, validating the daring choice of their new coach.

Published on: 28/09/2026 - 22:48Updated on: 28/09/2026 - 22:55

3 min Reading time

If he wanted to make an impression, showcase his vision, and outline the future of the French team, Zinedine Zidane is on the right track. That of boldness, first and foremost. Against Belgium, who recently defeated Italy (2-0), the new coach of the French team surprised everyone, especially his players. Zidane almost completely overhauled his starting lineup, the one that had triumphed (albeit with difficulty) last Friday against Turkey (1-0). Nine starters from that match were absent at kickoff against the Red Devils. Only goalkeeper Mike Maignan and defender Maxence Lacroix escaped this major reshuffle.

The successor to Didier Deschamps did not hesitate to incorporate three new players, with no international experience, into the cauldron of the King Baudouin Stadium: Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet, and Lucas Da Cunha.

As questions arose about who could replace Kylian Mbappé, who was injured and returned to Madrid, the former midfielder left Ousmane Dembélé, Michaël Olise, and even Rayan Cherki on the bench and fielded Bradley Barcola, Esteban Lepaul, and Désiré Doué in attack. Doué had the best chance, hitting the crossbar (12th minute). Five minutes later, the Parisian found Esteban Lepaul in the box, whose instant attempt was saved by Lammens (17th minute). The Belgian goalkeeper shone again on a free kick from Akliouche but was saved by his post on a shot from new international Lucas Da Cunha (53rd minute).

The Revelation Lucas Da Cunha

Under the guidance of the current player from Como (Italy), this French team impresses, always organized in Zidane's preferred 4-3-3 formation, with an offensive intent reflected in Maghnes Akliouche's positioning as a central midfielder.

The Blues dominated this lively, rhythmic, and sometimes reckless encounter, and they only lacked a goal to validate their performance and their coach's boldness. They could also have been punished by Lukebakio, who had the first two shots on target (72nd and 77th minutes) for Belgium, which Mike Maignan made crucial saves against.

The introductions of Dembélé (68th minute), Olise, and Cherki (77th minute) changed the dynamics of the match, although curiously, they coincided with a certain loss of control from the Blues. However, it seemed that the French team had enough talent to make the difference, and it was on a solo push from Olise that Belgium finally gave in. The Bayern player executed a magnificent shot along the post of Lammens, who could only bow to this superb goal (87th minute). It was worth a little sprint from Zidane. A bold gamble, well won.