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France Faces Belgium in Nations League Without Mbappé
By Drooid · · How we work
France vs Belgium Without Mbappé
On Matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League, France meets Belgium while star forward Kylian Mbappé remains sidelined because of injury. If selected to start, winger Ousmane Dembélé is set to assume the captain’s armband, marking a rare leadership role for the French forward.
Injury Context and Captaincy Shift
Mbappé’s absence follows a recent injury that has kept him out of the national squad. The French coaching staff have opted to promote Dembélé to captaincy duties, signaling confidence in his experience and on-field authority. The decision underscores the team’s need to adapt its attacking structure and leadership hierarchy ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
Other Nations League and International Results
The same round of matches produced several notable outcomes across Europe: Portugal secured a victory over Norway while Cristiano Ronaldo watched from the bench, and Greece delivered an upset against Germany, the side managed by Jürgen Klopp. In cycling, American rider Brandon McNulty claimed the world road-race title. Europe captured its sixth Laver Cup win in tennis, and in French rugby, Stade Toulousain delivered a dominant performance, crushing Montpellier in the Top 14 competition.
Implications for France and Upcoming Fixtures
France’s ability to compete without Mbappé will be closely examined, with Dembélé’s captaincy offering a test of squad depth and tactical flexibility. Observers note that the match against Belgium could influence selection choices for the next Nations League round and upcoming Euro 2028 qualifiers. The broader set of results highlights a competitive landscape in which traditional powerhouses are adapting to injuries and squad rotations, setting the stage for a dynamic second half of the international season.