sportnews full logo

France vs Belgium Nations League Clash: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

On Monday, the longstanding rivals France and Belgium will meet again in Saint-Denis for the fourth round of UEFA Nations League Group 1, League A fixtures. This marks their 80th meeting, dating back to a thrilling 3–3 draw in Brussels in 1904.

France currently leads the group unbeaten under the new management of Zinédine Zidane. His debut match saw a 1–0 win against Türkiye, followed by another narrow 1–0 victory over Belgium. The first home game ended in a 1–1 draw with Italy.

The Red Devils trail just one point behind after promising wins over Italy and Türkiye, even if their recent loss to France stings. New coach Mark van Bommel has sparked renewed hope following a rocky World Cup campaign.

Score Prediction: France Looks to Regain Momentum

France’s last victory was secured late thanks to Michael Olise’s 88th-minute goal. Despite this, they dominated most attacking metrics and hit the woodwork twice. France appears stronger overall.

Belgium faces a tough challenge without suspended midfielders Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne leads his team with three goal involvements in this Nations League but will miss this critical match, leaving a gap that may hamper Belgium’s creativity.

France has kept two clean sheets in this international window and may well add a third against a weakened Belgian side.

  • Head-to-head record: France has won six straight meetings, while Belgium has only won once in the last ten encounters—a 4–3 victory at Stade de France.
  • De Bruyne’s absence: Van Bommel must manage without both Tielemans and De Bruyne, the latter being a major blow given his contributions.
  • Zidane’s approach: France has adopted a cautious yet effective style under Zidane, which might continue in this game.

Prediction: France 2–0 Belgium

Expected Lineup: France

France will adjust its defense after Dayot Upamecano’s suspension due to a red card against Italy. Jérémy Jacquet is likely to partner Maxence Lacroix at center-back. Pierre Kalulu has been favored over Jules Koundé at right back, and Adrien Truffert should keep his place on the left.

In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga may replace Lucas Da Cunha. The front trio remains as Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, aiming to trouble Belgium’s defense. Kylian Mbappé continues to be sidelined due to injury.

  • France predicted lineup (4-3-3): Maignan; Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Truffert; Cherki, Camavinga, Rabiot; Olise, Dembélé, Doué.

Expected Lineup: Belgium

Belgium’s midfield will feel the loss of Tielemans and De Bruyne deeply. Roméo Lavia and Nicolas Raskin are likely to fill their roles alongside Hans Vanaken. Van Bommel’s front line includes Charles De Ketelaere and Mika Godts, with a competition between Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira for the right-wing spot.

Simon Lammens is set to start in goal, as Thibaut Courtois has opted out of the Nations League despite no injury. Maxim De Cuyper should return to the back four with Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, and Brandon Mechele.

  • Belgium predicted lineup (4-3-3): Lammens; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Lavia, Vanaken; Lukébakio, De Ketelaere, Godts.

Match Details

  • Location: Saint-Denis, France
  • Stadium: Stade de France
  • Date: Monday, October 6
  • Kick-off Time: 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT / 7:45 p.m. BST
  • Referee: Nicholas Walsh (Scotland)
  • VAR: Andrew Dallas (Scotland)

Broadcast Information

  • United States: fuboTV, ViX
  • Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
  • Mexico: Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+, izzi
  • United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video

Related Articles