France’s national football team secured a 1-0 victory against Belgium on Monday, September 28, 2026, in a match defined by a significant tactical overhaul from head coach Zinedine Zidane. With nine changes to the starting lineup from the team that faced Turkey, Zidane utilized the opportunity to test several emerging talents, specifically handing first-team debuts to Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet, and Lucas Da Cunha.
Tactical Refresh and New Faces in the Starting XI
Zidane’s selection strategy for the Belgian encounter signaled a clear intent to broaden his player pool. Only goalkeeper Mike Maignan and defender Maxence Lacroix retained their spots from the previous match in Turkey. The decision to field three debutants—Diouf, Jacquet, and Da Cunha—all of whom developed at Stade Rennais, was described by the coaching staff as a calculated risk designed to integrate fresh profiles into the national team’s established philosophy.
The performance of these younger players provided a boost to the squad’s depth. Lucas Da Cunha, in particular, was noted for his composure in the midfield, while the central defensive pairing of Jérémy Jacquet and Maxence Lacroix maintained stability throughout the contest. Despite the widespread rotation, the team maintained its tactical structure, ultimately securing the win through a second-half goal from substitute Michael Olise.
Zidane’s Assessment of the Debutants
Following the match, Zinedine Zidane expressed satisfaction with the integration of the new players. Addressing the media in Brussels, the coach emphasized that the performance of the three debutants validated his decision to trust them in a high-pressure international environment.
“I was not at all surprised by them,” Zidane said during the post-match conference. “They were very good in their positions. It is a first selection, and I am happy with the way they played. I am happy with this choice because it was perhaps not obvious, but they showed that they could be trusted.”
Building Depth Toward Future Competitions
The victory in Belgium serves as a checkpoint for the French squad as they continue to refine their roster. By providing significant minutes to players like Diouf, Jacquet, and Da Cunha, the coaching staff is establishing a broader foundation of experienced international options. This approach reflects a broader directive from the technical staff to ensure that the team’s core philosophy remains consistent, even as individual personnel evolve.
The match also highlighted the contributions of other squad members, including Désiré Doué, whose individual movement and attacking intent drew praise from observers. As the team moves forward, the ability of these younger players to adapt to the rigors of international football will be central to the squad’s development strategy.
Next Steps for the National Squad
The French team concludes this international window with the objective of maintaining the momentum gained from the victory in Brussels. The coaching staff is expected to continue monitoring the progress of these newer selections in their respective club environments before the next scheduled international fixture.
