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

The long-standing rivalry between France and Belgium continues with their 80th encounter on Monday at Saint-Denis. The last meeting saw Les Bleus edge out a narrow 1-0 victory.

France leads Group 1 of League A unbeaten under new manager Zinédine Zidane. His debut win was a 1-0 triumph over Türkiye, followed by a similar score against Belgium. The French team then drew 1-1 at home against Italy in Zidane’s first home match.

Belgium, coached by Mark van Bommel, trails by just one point. Their recent run includes solid wins over Italy and Türkiye, offset by a close loss to France. These results mark a rebound after a challenging World Cup.

This fixture is steeped in history, dating back to their 1904 3-3 draw in Brussels. This time, tensions might be lower, but the stakes remain high.

Match Outlook and Score Prediction

France showed strength in their last clash despite relying on Michael Olise's late goal. They dominated expected goals, shots, and came close several times, hitting the woodwork twice. Overall, they appear the stronger side.

Belgium faces difficulties with key midfielders Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne suspended. Losing De Bruyne, who leads the team in Nations League goal contributions (three), leaves a big gap in their creativity and chance creation.

France has kept two clean sheets so far this international break and may secure a third against a depleted Belgian squad.

  • Head-to-head: France has won the last six matches against Belgium in all competitions, while Belgium’s only win in the last ten was a 4-3 victory at Stade de France.
  • De Bruyne absence: Van Bommel must cope without both Tielemans and De Bruyne, which could limit Belgium's midfield effectiveness.
  • Zidane’s approach: Despite a talented lineup, France has started cautiously and steadily, a trend likely to continue.

Prediction: France 2–0 Belgium

Projected Lineups

Zidane will adjust his defense due to Dayot Upamecano's suspension following a red card against Italy. Jérémy Jacquet is expected to partner Maxence Lacroix centrally. Pierre Kalulu has recently filled the right-back role, with Adrien Truffert likely to hold the left-back spot.

In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga may replace Lucas Da Cunha. The attack could stay unchanged, featuring Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, though Kylian Mbappé remains sidelined due to injury.

  • Goalkeeper: Maignan
  • Defenders: Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Truffert
  • Midfielders: Cherki, Camavinga, Rabiot
  • Forwards: Olise, Dembélé, Doué

The Belgian midfield suffers with the suspensions of Tielemans and De Bruyne. Roméo Lavia and Nicolas Raskin are likely to slot in alongside Hans Vanaken.

Charles De Ketelaere and Mika Godts have featured in the starting lineup recently, with competition between Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira for a forward position on the right wing.

Thibaut Courtois is unavailable despite being uninjured, so goalkeeper Lammens will start. Maxim De Cuyper returns to the backline alongside Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, and Brandon Mechele.

  • Goalkeeper: Lammens
  • Defenders: Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper
  • Midfielders: Raskin, Lavia, Vanaken
  • Forwards: Lukébakio, De Ketelaere, Godts

Match Details

  • Location: Saint-Denis, France
  • Stadium: Stade de France
  • Date: Monday, October 6
  • Kick-off: 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

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