Mousa Dembele was a surprise pick to replace the suspended Thomas Meunier in Belgium's line-up and Blaise Matuidi was restored to the France midfield for today's World Cup semifinal. Matuidi missed the 2-0 quarterfinal win over Uruguay due to suspension but has been recalled in place of Corentin Tolisso.
Belgium's right wing back Meunier was cautioned for a second time in the tournament in their quarterfinal victory over Brazil and Dembele takes his place in the starting side. Dembele will play alongside Axel Witsel in the centre of midfield with Belgium coach Roberto Martinez moving Marouane Fellaini to the right. Nacer Chadli goes from the centre to the left where he will try to nullify the threat of speedy France striker Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe and midfielder Ngolo Kante were included in the France team despite sitting out of the training on Monday.