France boss Zidane says he is happy with his squad ahead of Belgium test

France boss Zinedine Zidane declared himself happy with his players as they went throught their final preparations for the Uefa Nations League clash against Belgium on Monday night at the Stade de France. Issued on: 05/10/2026 - 08:56 2 min Reading time France, who drew 1-1 with Italy last Friday, go into the League A Group 1 game with seven points from their three games. Belgium, beaten 1-0 by France on 28 September, lie second with six points following their 3-0 win over Turkey last Friday. "We're disappointed with the draw against Italy because as competitors we always want to win," said Zidane on the eve of the clash. "What's important is that we prepare well for our matches and do on the field what we've prepared to do. "Up to now that's what we've been doing," the 54-year-old former France international added. "I'm happy with the spirit in the group and that's the most important thing for me." France set the pace The top two from the four groups in League A advance to the last eight next March. The semi-finals will be played on 9 and 10 June 2027 and the final on 13 June. Portugal became the first side to reach the last eight after they beat Norway 2-1 in Porto on Sunday night in League A Group 4. Denmark, Wales and Norway will contest the race for other berth for the last eight from that pool. Ballon d'Or is not an obsession, France's star striker Mbappé tells RFI Victory on Monday night would boost France's chances of progressing to the quarter-final of a competition that they won under previous head coach Didier Deschamps in 2021. Zidane said there would be changes in his starting line-up for the fourth game of the competition. "Of course, we'll have to move the players around," he added. "But we can't do ridiculous things either. There are 23 players in the squad and it's always good to make changes that enable you to remain competitive." After the game against Belgium, France travel to Italy and host Turkey in November. "I know that there's still a lot of work to do," said Zidane. "And we'll certainly knuckle down to it but I am delighted by what I have seen so far." Germany struggle under Klopp In other games in League A on Sunday night, Germany's woes under new boss Jürgen Klopp continued. They drew 0-0 in Greece to stay third in Group 2. Netherlands set the pace in the pool following a 2-1 win over Serbia in Eindhoven. Teun Koopmeiners opened the scoring for the hosts after 31 minutes at the Philips Stadion. Mihajlo Cvetkovic drew the visitors level four mintues later. Joshua Zirkzee struck what proved to be the winner in the 71st minute to maintain the unbeaten start to the reign of head coach Xavi Hernandez. "I'm so happy of course because of the results," Xavi told Uefa's website. "We're top of the table but that has come with the attitude of the players. We're creating chances and of course we can play better in more moments but I'm proud of the players."