Ready for a showdown? On Sunday Camavinga showed up at the press conference, freshening the banter about the France‑Belgium rivalry. The 23‑year‑old midfielder said he’s eager for matches like this.
Camavinga appeared relaxed and smiling during the briefing. Overlooked by Didier Deschamps for this summer’s World Cup, the Real Madrid midfielder earned a call‑up from first‑time boss Zinedine Zidane. The French playmaker teased Belgium, the opponent for Monday’s 20:45 clash at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
When a Belgian reporter asked if France still feels the rivalry, the former Rennes star replied, “It’s a big game because Belgium remains a great nation. We’re all keen for this type of match.” He then added with a grin, “After what happened before, it’s more you Belgians who still have it stuck in your throat,” recalling the 2018 World Cup semi‑final win over the Red Devils.
Will Camavinga finally break into the starting eleven for the Belgium showdown?
In a Téléfoot interview on Sunday, “Zizou” promised tweaks after Friday’s Turkey defeat. “Eight or nine players can come in at any moment. My idea was to see everyone,” the 54‑year‑old coach said. Besides the starters, Camavinga will face competition from Warren Zaïre‑Emery and newcomer Lucas Da Cunha. In my view, his battle for a starting spot will be the story to watch, especially since he hasn’t started since the 2‑2 draw in Iceland on October 13, 2025.
Belgium, led by Dutch manager Mark van Bommel, will test Zidane’s rotating squad. For his second match on the bench since the last World Cup quarter‑final, the former Bayern defensive midfielder aims to replicate France’s 0‑2 victory over Italy in Rome last Friday.