France’s Nations League campaign begins without its most potent weapon. Kylian Mbappé, the two-time world champion and Real Madrid striker, has suffered a left knee tendon injury that will keep him sidelined until at least mid-October—ruining his chances of featuring in Monday’s Group A opener against Belgium. The absence isn’t just tactical; it’s symbolic. Mbappé’s leadership, his ability to dictate games with both foot and presence, leaves a void that will demand immediate adaptation from Zinedine Zidane’s squad.

The captaincy armband, usually worn by Mbappé, will now be passed to Ousmane Dembélé. The 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger, with 68 international caps—the most in the current squad—takes on the role for the first time in his career. Dembélé’s experience, both as a player and a former Barcelona academy graduate, positions him as the logical choice to guide Les Bleus through this international window. But the challenge extends beyond leadership. France’s midfield, already weakened by Warren Zaire-Emery’s thigh injury and Matteo Guendouzi’s suspension, will rely on a rotation of young talents like Michael Olise, Desire Doué, and Adrien Rabiot to maintain possession and creativity. The absence of Mbappé’s direct influence—his ability to stretch defenses and unlock games—means Belgium’s defensive structure, which has already shown resilience under Mark van Bommel’s tenure, will be tested in new ways.

Belgium’s recent form provides a stark contrast to France’s injury woes. Van Bommel’s side began their Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Italy, a result that underscored their aggressive, high-pressing style. Mika Godts and Dodi Lukébakio’s goals demonstrated a blend of youthful flair and tactical discipline, while Belgium’s defense—led by Dayot Upamecano and Andy Diouf—has proven capable of absorbing pressure. France, however, will arrive in Brussels having just secured a 1-0 win over Turkey, their first under Zidane. That victory was Mbappé’s doing, but the result was hard-fought, with Les Bleus relying on defensive solidity and counter-attacking precision. Without their star, the question becomes whether they can replicate that structure or if they’ll need to lean even harder on the creativity of players like Michael Olise, who has been a standout in both club and international football this season.

The tactical implications are clear. France’s front three—now consisting of Olise, Doué, and Dembélé—will need to operate with greater cohesion. Olise, in particular, has been a revelation for both Chelsea and the national team, but his role will shift from a traditional striker to a more versatile forward, potentially dropping into midfield to link play. Belgium’s system, meanwhile, will likely target France’s exposed midfield, looking to exploit spaces left by Zaire-Emery’s absence and Guendouzi’s suspension. The absence of Mbappé also removes a key target for set-pieces, a dimension where Belgium’s physicality and aerial dominance could prove decisive. Historically, France has managed without Mbappé in recent years, winning 18 of their last 21 games since his injury in 2023—though that stretch includes a 1-0 defeat to Germany in a friendly. The Nations League, however, is a different beast: a high-stakes tournament where every point counts, and Belgium’s resilience suggests this won’t be a walkover.

For Zidane, the immediate priority is stability. The manager has already navigated a transitional period, balancing experience with youth, and the Nations League provides a crucial litmus test. Dembélé’s leadership, combined with the tactical flexibility of players like Rabiot and Cherki, could be the difference. But the absence of Mbappé’s influence—his ability to elevate teammates, his knack for decisive moments—means this France will need to rely on collective effort rather than individual brilliance. Belgium, meanwhile, will be hungry for points after their strong start. The stage is set for a tactical battle where every decision, from defensive shape to attacking transitions, could dictate the outcome. One thing is certain: this Nations League opener will be a test of whether France can compete without their most iconic player.