Diouf and Da Cunha granted France debuts in Nations League with Belgium

Diouf and Da Cunha granted France debuts in Nations League with Belgium 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. KOCAELI, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 25: Zinedine Zidane, Head Coach of France reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and France at Kocaeli Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Kocaeli, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images) 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. PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Andy Diouf of FC Internazionale scores a goal during the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images) 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. COMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 10: Lucas Da Cunha of Como 1907 reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Como 1907 and RB Leipzig at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 10, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) 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