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France vs Belgium: Nations League Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
Amir Azimi
Daily News

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

France Faces Belgium in UEFA Nations League Clash

The rivalry between France and Belgium continues as the two neighbors meet for the 80th time, this Monday in Saint-Denis. The last encounter saw Les Bleus edge a narrow 1-0 victory in Brussels.

Currently atop Group 1 of League A, France has remained unbeaten since Zinédine Zidane took charge. After a 1-0 win against Türkiye on his debut, France defeated Belgium by the same scoreline before drawing 1-1 at home with Italy. Meanwhile, Belgium trails by one point but has shown promise under new coach Mark van Bommel. Their loss to France was flanked by solid wins over Italy and Türkiye, providing a fresh boost after a difficult World Cup.

This fixture dates back to 1904, kicking off with a thrilling 3-3 draw in Brussels, but less drama is expected this time around.

Score Prediction: France Expected to Reclaim Victory

Despite relying on Michael Olise’s late goal to secure the previous win, France dominated many aspects of that game, including expected goals and shots on target. They also hit the post twice, signaling their superiority.

Belgium faces a tough challenge without suspended midfielders Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne, leaving a significant gap in creating chances. France has already kept two clean sheets in this international break and could add a third against a weakened Belgian side.

  • Head-to-head record: France has won six consecutive meetings across all competitions. Belgium’s only recent win was a 4-3 thriller at Stade de France.
  • De Bruyne absent: Van Bommel loses a key player who leads Belgium with three goal involvements in the Nations League.
  • Zidane’s approach: France has been steady and methodical despite a strong attack, a style likely to continue.

Prediction: France 2–0 Belgium

France Predicted Lineup

Zidane must adjust his defense following Dayot Upamecano’s red card suspension. Jérémy Jacquet is expected to partner Maxence Lacroix centrally, with Pierre Kalulu and Adrien Truffert filling the full-back roles. In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga might replace Lucas Da Cunha. The forward trio of Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise will look to trouble Belgium’s defense. Kylian Mbappé remains sidelined due to injury.

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

Belgium Predicted Lineup

Without Tielemans and De Bruyne, Belgium faces a midfield deficit. Roméo Lavia and Nicolas Raskin are likely to fill those roles alongside Hans Vanaken. The frontline includes Charles De Ketelaere and Mika Godts, while a spot on the right wing will be contested by Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira. Simon Lammens will start in goal as Thibaut Courtois opts out of the Nations League. The defense should feature Maxim De Cuyper, Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, and Brandon Mechele.

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

Match Details and Broadcast Information

  • 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 Coverage

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

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