France secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels on September 28, 2026, extending the team’s start under Zinedine Zidane. The match was decided in the 88th minute by a late individual effort from Michael Olise, who broke the deadlock with a clinical finish into the bottom corner after a precise run.
A Decisive Breakthrough for Olise
The match remained scoreless for the vast majority of the evening, despite offensive efforts from both sides. France’s breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute when Michael Olise controlled the ball with his shoulder, drove forward, and curled a shot past Belgian goalkeeper Lammens. The goal served as the culmination of sustained pressure from the French side, which had previously seen attempts from Doué and Lucas Da Cunha strike the woodwork.
Following the match, Zinedine Zidane praised Olise’s impact, describing him as a “pure talent” who possesses an innate sense for the game and a desire to entertain. Olise’s performance was highlighted as a key factor in securing the three points for a French squad that saw significant rotation throughout the evening.
Zidane’s Tactical Rotation and Squad Depth
Zinedine Zidane implemented nine changes to his starting lineup, a decision he credited to his desire to keep the entire squad engaged. Despite the significant turnover, the French team maintained a consistent defensive structure, resulting in a clean sheet. Zidane noted that while the team’s intensity dropped slightly in the second half, he was satisfied with the overall pressing and the courage shown by his players to compete in the opponent’s half.
The match also marked a milestone for several players, including Jérémy Jacquet, who made his international debut. Jacquet expressed satisfaction with the defensive result, noting that he felt comfortable playing alongside his teammates. Lucas Da Cunha, another player experiencing his first selection, reflected on the emotional weight of the victory and the confidence shown in him by the coaching staff to play with the same freedom he displays at his club.
Reflections from the Pitch
Estéban Lepaul, who earned a starting spot, highlighted the team’s ability to adjust their pressing tactics at halftime. Late in the contest, Belgian forward Fernandez-Pardo found himself in a promising position, but the French defense successfully neutralized the threat to preserve the lead.
The victory in Brussels marks the second win in two matches for France under Zidane. The team is scheduled to return to action on Friday, October 2, 2026, when they face Italy at the Stade de France, with kick-off set for 20:45 local time.
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