Kylian Mbappe Ruled Out Of France-Belgium Clash With Knee Injury

Kylian Mbappe will miss France’s UEFA Nations League 2026-27 Group A1 match against Belgium in Brussels after the knee injury he suffered while scoring against Turkiye ruled him out of action for two weeks.

France travel without their captain

France face Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday, September 28, with kickoff scheduled for 8:45pm (18:45 GMT).

The match is a UEFA Nations League 2026-27 Group A1 fixture between Belgium and France.

Al Jazeera Sport said it will carry the build-up and live updates from 15:45 GMT.

France are the two-time world champions and travel to Belgium without captain Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe had given France the winning start they wanted in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League.

His early second-half goal secured a 1-0 win over Turkiye in France’s opening match.

That strike was marred by the knee injury that will keep the country’s leading scorer out of action for two weeks.

Al Jazeera also reported that Mbappe, the Real Madrid striker, is sidelined with a knee injury until mid-October.

His absence is the highest-profile international omission from France’s squad for Monday’s game.

France also have central midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery out with a thigh injury.

Defensive midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is suspended for the game.

Zidane prepares changes amid a tight schedule

Zinedine Zidane is in charge of France for the match, returning to the coaching job as a former France midfielder.

Monday’s contest also places a new coach in the opposite dugout, with former Dutch international Mark van Bommel taking over the reins at Belgium.

Zidane said France would rotate because of the short turnaround across fixtures.

“There will be changes. How many? You’ll see,” Zidane said.

“We knew we’d have four matches in such a short time, so we’re going to rotate the squad a little. The most important thing is to get to know each other,” Zidane said.

GOAL.com reported that Zidane turned his attention to Monday evening’s high-profile UEFA Nations League encounter against Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium.

The fixture brings together two legendary midfielders on the touchline as Zidane faces newly appointed Belgian manager Mark van Bommel.

The two coaches also met during their playing careers.

GOAL.com said they notably faced each other in a 1-1 El Clasico draw between Barcelona and Real Madrid in 2006.

Zidane expects a demanding physical and tactical battle in Brussels.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Zidane joked about Van Bommel’s combative playing style while recalling their midfield battles in Spain.

“He didn’t exactly have the same playing style as me,” Zidane laughed.

“I took quite a few kicks from him when we faced each other. But he was the kind of player who was important to a team. As a coach, he tries to put his stamp on things,” Zidane said.

GOAL.com reported that Zidane expressed admiration for Van Bommel’s leadership and tactical footprint.

Zidane noted that Van Bommel’s move into management reflected his deep understanding of team dynamics.

Van Bommel also spoke about the significance of coaching against Zidane.

“It is special to coach against someone like that,” Van Bommel said.

“He [Zidane] was an exceptional footballer, and I played against him once, with Barcelona against Real Madrid,” Van Bommel said.

“If a dribbling move is named after you, then you must have done pretty well. He is a good coach too; that’s clear,” Van Bommel said.

Belgium arrive with De Bruyne in form

Belgium also made a winning start in the competition.

They beat Italy 2-0 in Rome.

The home side are bolstered by the experienced Kevin De Bruyne.

Al Jazeera described Belgium as a tough challenge for the French visitors.

De Bruyne grabbed the limelight in Belgium’s last game with his assist and man-of-the-match performance.

Al Jazeera described De Bruyne as a veteran known for pulling the strings in midfield.

Zidane also praised the Belgian national team, according to VTM NEWS as cited by GOAL.com.

He highlighted Belgium’s technical capabilities and collective cohesion after a strong World Cup campaign.

“Belgium played a very good World Cup,” Zidane stated.

“There is an enormous amount of individual quality in the squad. De Bruyne is De Bruyne. Belgium has always had good players on the ball,” Zidane said.

When asked which Belgian player mirrored his own playing style, Zidane dismissed individual comparisons.

He said Kevin De Bruyne possesses unique qualities.

Zidane also referenced historical playmakers such as Enzo Scifo while evaluating Belgium’s footballing tradition.

“As a top athlete, you love playing these top matches,” Zidane said.

Belgium are seeking a statement victory under Van Bommel after their recent win over Italy.

France, meanwhile, aim to maintain their momentum in Brussels.

Olise, Dembele and Doue carry France’s attacking responsibility

France still have no shortage of talent and goal-scoring skills despite Mbappe’s absence, according to Al Jazeera.

Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are expected to take responsibility in front of goal on match day two of the competition.

Olise was the man of the match in France’s previous game.

He has made a flying start at Bayern Munich this season.

Al Jazeera reported that Olise has eight goals and four assists in seven matches across all competitions.

Rayan Cherki has also found the net for his club, Manchester City.

Cherki has four goals and two assists.

GOAL.com reported that France are completing their matchday preparation as they look to secure three points in Group A.

France are set to return home to face Italy at the Stade de France after the Belgium match.

Zidane demands complete focus from his squad to overcome a motivated home side.

Diego Moreira adds another Belgian threat

Belgium’s attacking watchlist also includes Diego Moreira.

Al Jazeera said fans should watch Moreira on the left wing.

Moreira has three goals in as many league games for AC Milan this term.

Belgium have two injuries in the squad.

Winger Leandro Trossard has a heel injury.

Goalkeeper Mike Penders has a muscle issue.

Nations League context and recent history

The UEFA Nations League was founded in 2018.

It was created to reduce the number of meaningless friendlies and give national teams competitive matches against top-ranked opponents.

Countries from across Europe participate in a league structure in the competition.

The league structure includes promotion and relegation.

Belgium and France last met in a Nations League group encounter in October 2024.

Randal Kolo Muani scored twice in that match to give France a 2-1 win over Belgium.

That recent meeting adds competitive context to a fixture already shaped by injuries, new coaches and strong opening results in Group A1.

Probable line-ups

Al Jazeera listed Belgium’s probable XI as Senne Lammens; Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper; Nicolas Raskin; Dodi Lukebakio, Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Diego Moreira; Charles De Ketelaere.

The probable Belgium XI places De Bruyne alongside Youri Tielemans and Diego Moreira in the attacking midfield line behind Charles De Ketelaere.

It also includes Senne Lammens in goal and a back line of Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele and Maxim De Cuyper.

Al Jazeera listed France’s probable XI as Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, Andy Diouf; Rayan Cherki, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele.

That probable France XI includes Olise, Doue and Dembele in the forward line.

It also includes Cherki, Manu Kone and Adrien Rabiot in midfield.

Mike Maignan is listed in goal for France, with Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix and Andy Diouf in defence.

Regional broadcast information is available through UEFA’s official broadcaster listing.