France predicted XI v Belgium: Estéban Lepaul and Jérémy Jacquet to start as Zinédine Zidane rotates Les Bleus squad | OneFootball

France play Belgium away on Monday night for Matchday 2 of their 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League campaign. Zinédine Zidane’s Les Bleus will try to make it two wins out of two after last Friday’s invoncincing victory against Vincenzo Montella’s Türkiye. Meanwhile, the Red Devils intend to confirm their dominant 2-0 away win over Italy to lead the Nations League’s A1 group.

Zidane will have to make do without France captain Kylian Mbappé, who injured himself in scoring against Türkiye. The Real Madrid striker has already reported back to the Spanish capital, and Zidane opted to not replace him within the squad. Given tonight’s game in Brussels marks the second outing out of four in this extended international break, Zidane is expected to fully rotate his squad.

L’Equipe predicts that most of the players that started in Türkiye will be given a breather to prepare for the home games against Italy (October 2) and Belgium, again (October 5). Pierre Kalulu could deputise for Jules Koundé whereas there could be international debuts given to Liverpool’s Jérémy Jacquet and Inter full-back Andy Diouf.

Lucas Da Cunha is also in line for his debut in Zidane’s three-man midfield. The Como midfielder could be starting alongside another former Rennes player in Eduardo Camavinga. Adrien Rabiot could retain his spot as France’s left-sided midfielder. Up front, Rennes’ Estéban Lepaul could get the nod and replace centre-forward Ousmane Dembélé. The 26-year-old would lead the line with Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué as wingers.

France likely line-up v Belgium

Mike Maignan; Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet, Dayot Upamecano, Pierre Kalulu; Adrien Rabiot, Lucas Da Cunha, Eduardo Camavinga; Bradley Barcola, Estéban Lepaul, Désiré Doué. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Bastien Cheval