Zinédine Zidane Starts France Reign Unbeaten After Late Comeback Against Belgium

Zinédine Zidane's opening spell as France coach began with two away victories before his first match at the Stade de France, according to AFP. The homecoming against Italy on October 2 offered a first chance to extend that start in front of French supporters.

This was a new coaching tenure, not simply a return to the stadium. CNN Brasil reported that Zidane had taken charge after 14 years under Didier Deschamps. His first gathering would cover four Nations League matches.

On October 2, France drew 1-1 with Italy. Michael Olise opened the scoring with a free kick, but Alessandro Bastoni equalised, according to ANSA. Zidane's first home match ended without the victory supporters had hoped to celebrate.

The assessment was not entirely negative. Le Monde described France as the more dominant side, while Fanpage reported on October 3 that Adrien Rabiot believed France had deserved to win and said Zidane had expressed the same view in the dressing room.

Attention then shifted to Belgium. On October 4, Franceinfo reported that Zidane was preparing another reshuffle while balancing players' physical condition with the need to remain competitive. That report also put France's earlier away victory over Belgium at 1-0, a week before the return fixture.

On October 5, Zidane made several changes for the fourth and final match of his first gathering. Guillaume Restes and Leny Yoro received their first France selections, according to Le Monde. Belgium were without the suspended Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, as L'Équipe had reported.

Belgium led through Lukebakio and remained ahead until the 77th minute, according to La Repubblica. France then overturned the match. Franceinfo credited the introductions of Désiré Doué, Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki with transforming the performance and securing a 4-1 win.

Olise scored twice and supplied an assist, according to Al Jazeera. Guardian Sport reported that France scored four goals in 14 minutes, turning a looming defeat into Zidane's first home victory.

By October 6, France had completed Zidane's first four matches unbeaten, with three wins and one draw, according to Franceinfo. The victory over Belgium also kept France top of their Nations League group, CNN Brasil reported.

The opening spell has offered evidence of how Zidane wants to work, beyond the results. Franceinfo identified involvement across the squad and high pressing as central features. Against Belgium, the decisive contribution came from players who had started on the bench.

Olise has been the clearest attacking standout: a free-kick goal against Italy followed by two goals in the Belgium comeback. The draw interrupted France's winning start, but the response left Zidane with an unbeaten first gathering and a home victory to build on.