Diouf and Da Cunha granted France debuts in Nations League with Belgium
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 08: Andy Diouf of Internazionale is challenged by Marc Cucurella of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Inter’s Andy Diouf and Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha are given their senior France debuts in the Nations League against Belgium, with more Serie A talent representing both teams.
It kicks off in Brussels at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
They are in Nations League Group A, the same as Italy and Turkiye, and both started their tournaments with away victories.
You can follow the action as it happens from Turkiye vs. Italy on the Liveblog.
It is therefore a head to head for top spot, but with Italy coming up on the horizon, Zinedine Zidane rotates his France squad.
Roma midfielder Manu Koné is among those dropping to the bench, with Kylian Mbappé ruled out by a knee injury.
Inter man Diouf generally plays as a right wing-back for the Nerazzurri, but he is being used as a left-back for his senior France debut.
There is also the first senior France appearance for Como midfielder Da Cunha, who joined the club in Serie B to steer them all the way through to the Champions League.
Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Juventus full-back Pierre Kalulu also start for France.
Belgium have Serie A representatives in the form of Milan’s Diego Moreira, Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, and Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta.
Belgium vs. France line-ups
Belgium: Lammens; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, Seys; Lavia, Tielemans; Moreira, De Bruyne, Godts; De Ketelaere
France: Maignan; Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Diouf; Akliouche, Camavinga, Da Cunha; Doué, Lepaul, Barcola
Belgium
Positions
France
1
0
0
Last matches
1
0
0
Last matches
Belgium
France
12
Goalkeeper
4
Defender
18
Defender
25
Defender
21
Defender
7
Midfielder
16
Midfielder
8
Midfielder
17
Attacker
19
Attacker
26
Attacker
Goalkeeper
Defender
Defender
Defender
Midfielder
Midfielder
Midfielder
Attacker
Attacker
Attacker
Attacker
16
Defender
9
Attacker
20
Midfielder
Attacker
12
Goalkeeper
5
Defender
23
Midfielder
14
Attacker
2
Defender
26
Attacker
27
Midfielder
Goalkeeper
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