France hosts neighbours Belgium, but De Bruyne to miss battle with Olise
France welcomes Belgium to the Stade de France on Monday evening for a Nations League Group A1 game. The hosts sit first, holding a one-point advantage over the second-place visitors.
The French side won the earlier meeting in Brussels in late September. A second victory would strengthen their hold on first place in the group.
Belgium travels without Kevin De Bruyne and captain Youri Tielemans, who are both suspended. France is also shorthanded, with Matteo Guendouzi and Dayot Upamecano suspended and Warren Zaire-Emery sidelined by a thigh injury.
France coach Zinedine Zidane said preparation and comfort on the field are priorities, adding "We always want to win." He said he likes his squad's mindset but expects progress to require patience.
The Nations League divides European teams into four levels with promotion and relegation, with group opponents meeting home and away. The current group stage runs through November, followed by a four-team finals event whose location and schedule remain undecided.
Key points
- France leads Belgium by one point in Group A1.
- De Bruyne and Tielemans suspended for Belgium; two French players also banned.
- Group stage ends in November before four-team finals.