Desire Doue set to start as Zidane's striker against Belgium in the Nations League

Desire Doue is emerging as France's main surprise for Monday's match against Belgium in Brussels. The forward, who came on in the 59th minute against Turkey, would lead the attack in place of the injured Kylian Mbappe. Zinedine Zidane confirmed rotations for the second round of Group A1 in the Nations League, and the young Paris Saint-Germain talent looks set to play a key role at the King Baudouin Stadium.

• Desire Doue is expected to start as France's center forward against Belgium.
• Kylian Mbappe is out with a hyperextension in his left knee and has returned to Madrid.
• Zidane confirmed changes and warned that Ousmane Dembele will not start every match.
• France defend their lead in Group A1 after beating Turkey in the opening round.
• Truffert and Diouf are competing for the left-back spot in the starting eleven.

Doue, from the bench to leading France's attack

The Parisian forward started Zidane's debut as a substitute and was forced into action before the hour mark to replace Mbappe. The captain picked up an injury in the very move that produced the winning goal against Turkey, opening a significant vacancy ahead of the second round. Doue is a versatile attacking option, comfortable across the front line, and his arrival as a central striker would give France a different kind of threat against the Belgian defense.

The move is no accident. Zidane wants energy and fluidity in a demanding away fixture, and the young attacker offers constant runs and an aggressive press that fits the new coach's plan. With Mbappe unavailable, Doue has the clearest opportunity yet to prove he can handle responsibility in high-stakes matches for his national team.

France's probable lineup against the Red Devils

The expected team at the King Baudouin Stadium keeps the core of the French side intact while reflecting the adjustments forced by Mbappe's injury and the need to manage minutes. Mike Maignan remains first choice in goal. The back four would feature Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix and a left-back still to be confirmed.

Truffert or Diouf, the only doubt in defense

Adrien Truffert got the nod for the opener against Turkey and appears to be the favorite to keep his place in Belgium. Andy Diouf, also called up for that role, is pushing to take the spot. It is the main question mark in the French back line heading into the second round.

In midfield, Zidane would line up with Cherki, Camavinga and Rabiot. Further forward, the attacking trio would consist of Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola. It is a young, direct front line without a traditional target man, built to exploit space behind the Belgian defense.

Mbappe's injury and Zidane's warning to Dembele

Kylian Mbappe scored the goal that sealed France's opening victory, but the play cost him a hyperextension in his left knee. The Real Madrid forward returned to the Spanish capital to continue his recovery and will miss the fixture in Brussels. His absence forces a redesign of the attack and gives Doue a major opportunity.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Zidane made it clear that Ousmane Dembele will not start every match. The statement underlined a rotation plan already in evidence from the opening round and one that carries extra significance with the heavy international calendar facing his squad.

What is at stake for France in Belgium

France began the group stage with a hard-earned win over Turkey and now aim to build on that result in a rivalry with real edge. Belgium, now managed by Mark van Bommel, are searching for their first points of the campaign and will test the resilience of this evolving French team under Zidane.

Group A1 brings together two of the strongest national teams in European football, so every matchday carries almost knockout-level weight. A win in Brussels would leave France in an excellent position for the rest of the group and give Zidane more room to experiment as he develops his best eleven.

France vs Belgium: frequently asked questions