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

On Monday, France welcomes Belgium to Saint-Denis for their 80th encounter, continuing a long-standing rivalry that began in 1904. The previous match saw France narrowly defeat Belgium 1–0.

Current Standings and Form

France leads Group 1 of League A unbeaten under Zinédine Zidane, who started with a 1–0 win over Türkiye, followed by the same scoreline against Belgium. Their first home game under Zidane ended in a 1–1 draw with Italy. Meanwhile, Belgium trails by one point but has seen positive signs under new coach Mark van Bommel after strong wins against Italy and Türkiye, despite a tough loss to France.

Historical Context

Their rivalry stretches back over a century, with the first match ending in a thrilling 3–3 draw in Brussels. Since then, France has dominated recent meetings, winning the last six encounters, while Belgium’s only victory in the last ten games was a 4–3 win at Stade de France.

Prediction: France Expected to Edge Belgium

France showed they can control the game despite needing a late goal from Michael Olise to secure their last win. They created more chances and hit the woodwork twice, proving their attacking strength. Belgium faces a big challenge without suspended midfielders Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne, which will limit their ability to create scoring opportunities. France has kept two clean sheets already this break and may add a third against a weakened Belgian side.

  • Head-to-head: France has won the last six matches; Belgium won once in the past ten.
  • Key absences: De Bruyne and Tielemans out for Belgium.
  • Playing style: Zidane’s France plays carefully and efficiently.

Final Score Prediction: France 2–0 Belgium

Projected Lineups

France (4-3-3)

  • Goalkeeper: Maignan
  • Defenders: Pierre Kalulu, Jérémy Jacquet, Maxence Lacroix, Adrien Truffert
  • Midfielders: Amine Cherki, Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot
  • Forwards: Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué

Zidane must replace the suspended Dayot Upamecano, likely pairing Jacquet with Lacroix in central defense. The front three remains unchanged despite Kylian Mbappé’s absence due to injury.

Belgium (4-3-3)

  • Goalkeeper: Lammens
  • Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper
  • Midfielders: Nicolas Raskin, Roméo Lavia, Hans Vanaken
  • Forwards: Dodi Lukébakio or Diego Moreira (competing), Charles De Ketelaere, Mika Godts

Without Tielemans and De Bruyne, Belgium's midfield looks fragile. Van Bommel continues with Lammens in goal after Thibaut Courtois opted out of the Nations League.

Match Details

  • Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 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

More broadcasting details are available worldwide.

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