The France national football team secured a 4-1 comeback victory against Belgium on Monday, October 5, 2026, concluding the fourth match of Zinedine Zidane’s managerial tenure. Reporting on the encounter, RFI noted that the fixture at the Stade de France served as a concentrated summary of Zidane’s opening matches, highlighting a possession-based 4-3-3 tactical blueprint, high pressing, and the integration of emerging players.
How Belgium Took the Lead at the Stade de France
Playing at the Stade de France in Paris, France survived a first-half scare against the Red Devils. It was reported that goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, making his debut alongside central defender Leny Yoro, successfully smothered an early, scuffed shot from Romelu Lukaku. However, the debutant goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Belgium from breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute.
Following a precise long-range pass from Roméo Lavia, Dodi Lukébakio beat the French defensive line and struck the ball into the top corner of the net. It was added that the hosts entered the halftime interval trailing despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances through Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Estéban Lepaul.
Zidane Substitutions Spark Second Half Comeback
Zidane maintained his starting lineup for the beginning of the second half before altering his approach at the hour mark. It was reported that the manager made a triple substitution in the 60th minute, introducing Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Lucas Da Cunha in place of Dembélé, Maghnès Akliouche, and Manu Koné.
The tactical changes shifted the momentum. Désiré Doué equalized in the 76th minute by turning sharply with his back to goal to beat goalkeeper Vandevoordt. Five minutes later, Cherki put Les Bleus ahead 2-1 in the 81st minute following a goalmouth scramble involving the Belgian goalkeeper. Michael Olise then secured the victory with two late goals in the 88th and 90+1st minutes, both assisted by Doué, bringing the final score to 4-1.
Early Signatures of the Zidane Era
RFI detailed that the opening four matches of Zidane’s tenure have established clear structural patterns for the team. The tactical framework relies on a 4-3-3 formation featuring a technical deep-lying playmaker responsible for clean ball progression, paired with a creative third midfielder such as Cherki or Akliouche.
The approach emphasizes maintaining possession and executing a high press to regain the ball quickly. RFI noted that this aggressive stance leaves the team vulnerable to counter-attacks, as demonstrated by Lukébakio’s opening goal. Another major tactical shift under Zidane involves team captain Kylian Mbappé, who has been moved from a central striker role to the left wing. Mbappé scored his first goal under the new coach against Turkey before sustaining an injury.
Michael Olise Emerges as the Squad Factor X
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has established himself as a central figure in Zidane’s early selections. According to RFI’s assessment, Olise contributed a key assist against Turkey, scored in the initial 1-1 draw against Belgium, and added another goal in a 1-1 draw with Italy.
He capped this sequence with a decisive 15-minute cameo against Belgium, recording a brace and one assist during the closing stages of the 4-1 win. His performances have cemented his status as a key component of the attacking lineup during this international window.
Integration of a New Generation of French Talent
Zidane’s squad selections have introduced several young prospects to the senior international setup. RFI noted the inclusion of goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, defender Leny Yoro, Jérémy Jacquet, Andy Diouf, Lucas Da Cunha, and Estéban Lepaul. Yoro earned an immediate start upon his first selection, while Jacquet and Da Cunha received minutes to test their readiness at international level.
Out of the 23 players called up by Zidane, only third-choice goalkeeper Jean Butez did not make an appearance during the fixtures, reflecting a broad evaluation of the player pool.
What Remains Unknown Before the November Fixtures
Despite a positive points tally—comprising three wins and one draw across the opening sequence—questions remain regarding the team’s offensive efficiency. Sources pointed out that a lack of clinical finishing persisted through the first three games and nearly cost France against Belgium until the scoring breakthrough in the 77th minute.
France leads Group A of the Nations League, but Italy's victory over Turkey means qualification for the quarterfinals is not yet mathematically decided. The national team will return to competitive action on November 12 against Italy and November 15 against Turkey to finalize their group-stage campaign.
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