Belgium will look to make up for their loss to France in their home UEFA Nations League encounter on Monday, as Romelu Lukaku and vice-captain Antoine Griezmann suffered injuries that prevented them from competing.
Didier Deschamps will strive to bring out the best from his talented squad; Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise could both feature.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of France National Football Team vs Belgium National Football Team Lineups.
France Starting Line-up:
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Mike Maignan (GK) | Goalkeeper |
| Benjamin Pavard | Right-back |
| Ibrahima Konaté | Center-back |
| William Saliba | Center-back |
| Théo Hernandez | Left-back |
| Aurélien Tchouaméni | Midfielder |
| Eduardo Camavinga | Midfielder |
| Mattéo Guendouzi | Midfielder |
| Michael Olise | Right-wing |
| Randal Kolo Muani | Forward |
| Bradley Barcola | Left-wing |
Belgium Starting Line-up:
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Koen Casteels (GK) | Goalkeeper |
| Timothy Castagne | Right-back |
| Wout Faes | Center-back |
| Jan Vertonghen | Center-back |
| Arthur Theate | Left-back |
| Youri Tielemans (C) | Midfielder |
| Amadou Onana | Midfielder |
| Yannick Carrasco | Left-wing |
| Charles De Ketelaere | Attacking Midfielder |
| Lois Openda | Forward |
| Jeremy Doku | Right-wing |
France XI: Maignan
Maignan, who brings humility and steadiness to his team, has become an inspirational role model for young players from France and other nations with diverse populations. He proves that hard work and talent can overcome any obstacle.
His outstanding performances for Lille and AC Milan earned him international acclaim, which was confirmed with Didier Deschamps calling on him before this year’s European Championships. Replacing Hugo Lloris as goalkeeper, he has impressed everyone with his calm demeanor and exceptional distribution skills.
He will partner N’Golo Kante and Adrien Rabiot in midfield, while Kylian Mbappe should return from Poland as captain to lead Les Bleus’ attack. Real Madrid-bound forward Bradley Barcola may also feature, depending on who replaces Ousmane Dembele. Here is the full squad.
Kounde
Doku and Bakayoko could feature on either flank, with Doku’s speed capable of overwhelming full-backs threatening fullbacks at every opportunity and Bakayoko likely being used on one of them – an unconventional choice which could pay dividends in terms of playing time and results.
Deschamps has made several adjustments to his starting eleven following France’s impressive 4-0 win against Israel in their Group 2 opener. Milan left-back Theo Hernandez and defender Eduardo Camavinga are absent due to injury while Aurelien Tchamoueni’s knee issue prevents him from featuring.
Kante will assume captaincy in Deschamps’ absence and Arsenal centre-back William Saliba will likely drop to the bench. Maxime de Cuyper may feature at right back while an uncapped Club Bruges player could provide cover in front of their defence.
Saliba
As young footballers discover what being part of a team really means, their first taste of youth football often marks their first introduction to it and sparks their love of it all over again while making new friends along the way.
Saliba and Upamecano’s strong bond is evidenced in how well they have combined at centre-back for France since joining their senior squad in March. Their understanding was clearly displayed during France’s 2024 European Championship knockout round match against Portugal; both players collaborated well while providing vital leadership.
Saliba’s inclusion suggests that Deschamps has seen enough from her and Saliba for him to place confidence in them as a pair at the back. Deschamps has dropped Milan left-back Theo Hernandez and Lazio midfielder Aurelien Camavinga while Arsenal defender Mike Maignan will serve as skipper during Mbappe’s absence.
Upamecano
Upamecano is an experienced center back who can add defensive depth in Deschamps’s absence. Although not known for his offensive contributions, Upamecano does pose an impressive set-piece threat and occasionally scores goals himself.
Upamecano’s athleticism and height give France an advantage in aerial duels during transitions after winning the ball from counterpressing actions, preventing opposing attacks from gaining momentum and leading to less build-up actions near their opponent’s penalty area.
Upamecano will return to the starting XI after being out due to injury for three matches with a hamstring issue, hoping that his performance against FC Heidenheim, where he made one tackle (zero won) and seven clearances, and was involved in two interceptions, will set an example. Eric Dier may join him at the back.
Hernandez
Neighbours Belgium and France meet in Brussels for a Nations League clash. Les Bleus are coming off of an inauspicious draw with Italy at the weekend while Belgium cruised past outsider Israel without issue in Group 2.
Kylian Mbappe remains out due to an injury, while Antoine Griezmann announced his international retirement. Therefore, Didier Deschamps called on PSG trio Randal Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola as replacements in their front two.
Marcos Alonso from Inter Milan makes an unexpected return, starting ahead of Theo Hernandez. N’Golo Kante surprisingly misses out after scoring against Chelsea last time out; Adrien Rabiot due to limited playing time; while Jeremy Doku and Lois Openda come into midfield to replace Youri Tielemans and Yannick Carrasco who have excelled since Domenico Tedesco took charge in March.
Kante
Griezmann has returned to France’s starting eleven after being named as a sub in their previous Group G game against Poland, while PSG’s Ousmane Dembele has been dropped due to his ineffective goal-scoring form of late. It comes as no surprise that Didier Deschamps made this choice and dropped him.
Kante has been given the responsibility of protecting his defence and initiating attacks through his passing, so his performance against Belgium will be key if France are to advance in this tournament.
Openda carries the ball down the right flank before crossing it to Trossard inside the box, who takes a shot but fails to hit its mark – the hosts are desperately in search of an equaliser.
Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni may be lesser-known than some French players, yet has performed admirably at international tournaments and could become an attractive Real Madrid target. AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien has proven adept at adapting quickly to different game situations.
Tchouameni will miss the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund due to a sprained ankle suffered against Italy, but is expected to return for this match. He suffered this injury during Italy’s loss and has struggled to fully recover since.
Domenico Tedesco made significant alterations following France’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine, including including Romelu Lukaku and Lois Openda amongst his usual suspects. Leandro Trossard and Yannick Carrasco will start alongside Amadou Onana; these full-backs represent Belgium’s primary threat against French defence – they can strike quickly off the mark and create havoc through crosses.
Rabiot
Didier Deschamps makes several adjustments from their draw with Poland. Kylian Mbappe returns, although not as a striker; instead he’s being partnered with Marcus Thuram on the left wing.
Amadou Onana will replace injured Axel Witsel, while Jeremy Doku and Yannick Carrasco join Romelu Lukaku for Belgium in an offensive line-up. Since qualifying, Belgium have struggled to impress since taking to the pitch and are looking for ways to boost their play and scoring record. With two points separating Belgium from Spain and Portugal in Group D1, Belgium needs to win this matchup if their hopes of knockout stage qualification remain alive; both teams come to King Baudouin Stadium eager to secure their ticket – while France are favorites while Belgium boast Kevin De Bruyne-led frontline featuring Lois Openda from RB Leipzig-based Lois Openda along with Jeremy Doku as possible contenders.
Griezmann
Griezmann’s return to France’s starting eleven is not only a boon but is also evidence that Didier Deschamps is finally beginning to address their lack of attack. Atletico Madrid player was dropped for their final Group D match against Poland which has hindered France in their attempt to finish top of Group D.
Romelu Lukaku will likely start up front for Belgium, with Lois Openda of RB Leipzig set to join Jeremy Doku and Yannick Carrasco in midfield. Domenico Tedesco should likely stick with his back three after their 2-2 draw against Italy and will have Koen Casteels, Timothy Castagne, Jan Vertonghen, Wout Faes and Arthur Theate as possible options in defence – possibly including Dodi Lukebakio from RB Leipzig as cover for Matz Sels.
Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has captured the hearts and imagination of an entire nation like few athletes can. The young striker has won three Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards while leading France in scoring four times in his career to date. Additionally, he acts as a global ambassador for Nike and Hublot; even offering up his own comic book for children!
France are poised to claim top spot in Group A with two matches remaining, and Mbappe will play an instrumental role. He missed the previous international window as part of a plan to focus on improving his fitness for domestic competitions ahead of domestic season kick off.
Belgium are looking to secure their spot in the quarterfinals as they host Italy in Brussels. Domenico Tedesco’s side are yet to win in League A Group 2 so must outshout Italy by at least five goals to remain relevant in this tournament.