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| Belgium vs France | |
| Match Info | |
| Date | 28 Sep 2026 |
| Kickoff | 20:45 CAT / CEST · 19:45 BST · 18:45 UTC |
| Stadium | King Baudouin Stadium |
| City | Brussels, Belgium |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League 2026/27 |
| Stage | League A · Group A1 |
| Round | Matchday 2 |
Belgium vs France Preview, Prediction and Match Analysis
Belgium and France arrive in Brussels level on three points after convincing opening-night results in Group A1. Mark van Bommel's Belgium won 2-0 away to Italy, while Zinédine Zidane began his reign as France coach with a 1-0 victory in Türkiye.
Belgium's performance in Rome showed what Van Bommel wants from this side. Mika Godts attacked aggressively from the left and opened the scoring after Kevin De Bruyne released him into space, while Charles De Ketelaere repeatedly occupied dangerous positions between Italy's midfield and defence. Dodi Lukébakio then added the second from the bench.
France face a different attacking problem because Kylian Mbappé is unavailable after suffering a knee problem against Türkiye. His goal decided Zidane's first match, but without him France lose their most dangerous runner behind the defensive line and must redistribute attacking responsibility.
Michael Olise becomes particularly important. He created Mbappé's winning goal in Kocaeli and can hurt Belgium either from the right half-space or when moving centrally onto his left foot. Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola give Zidane different ways to replace Mbappé's output rather than attempting a direct like-for-like replacement.
Belgium's biggest opportunity may come when France's full-backs advance. Godts showed against Italy that he can attack defenders directly, while De Bruyne can find those runs before a defence has time to reset. France therefore need Camavinga, Manu Koné or Rabiot positioned well enough to stop Belgium turning recoveries into immediate attacks.
Prediction: Belgium 1-1 France
| Belgium vs France TV Channels & Live Stream | ||
| Country / Region | TV / Broadcaster | Live Stream |
| Belgium | VTM | VTM GO |
| France | TF1 | TF1+ |
| United Kingdom | Prime Video UK | Amazon Prime Video |
| USA | FOX Sports | FuboTV / ViX |
| Zimbabwe / Sub-Saharan Africa | DStv coverage | DStv Stream |
| India | Sony Sports Network | Sony streaming platforms |
| Exact channel selection can vary by broadcaster and subscription package. | ||
Belgium vs France: Tactical Preview
Belgium's left side is one of the clearest tactical pressure points. Godts repeatedly drove inside against Italy rather than remaining fixed to the touchline. If France use Jules Koundé on that side of their defence, he will have to decide when to follow Godts inside and when to pass him onto a midfielder. De Bruyne will look to exploit any hesitation with early passes into the channel.
France's response should revolve around Olise and their midfield rotations. Olise can receive wide against Maxim De Cuyper or move inside to overload Belgium's central midfield. That movement can create an outside lane for France's right-back while forcing Belgium's midfield to decide whether to track Olise or protect the space in front of their centre-backs.
Without Mbappé, France are less likely to have one attacker constantly threatening the space behind Belgium. Dembélé, Barcola or Doué can still provide that depth, but Zidane may instead ask France to attack through combinations involving Olise, Cherki and Camavinga rather than building the entire attack around one explosive runner.
Belgium must also protect the ball when De Bruyne and Tielemans move forward. France have enough speed to attack immediately after a turnover, and Belgium's centre-backs will not want to defend large spaces with Olise, Dembélé or Barcola running directly at them.
Belgium vs France Team News & Key Battles
France captain Kylian Mbappé is unavailable after suffering a knee problem during the 1-0 victory over Türkiye. Michael Olise assisted his winning goal in that match and is now likely to carry even more creative responsibility in Brussels.
Zidane still has significant attacking depth through Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche and Olise. Warren Zaïre-Emery was replaced in the squad by Akliouche because of injury.
Belgium come in with confidence after Mika Godts and Dodi Lukébakio scored in the 2-0 victory over Italy. Kevin De Bruyne created Godts' opener, while Charles De Ketelaere was heavily involved around the penalty area.
Key battle: Mika Godts against France's right defensive channel. Godts' ability to receive wide, cut inside and accelerate at defenders was central to Belgium's win in Rome.
Creative battle: Kevin De Bruyne against France's central midfield. France cannot allow him time to receive facing forward because his early passing can release Belgium's wide attackers before the French defence is organised.
Final Prediction: Belgium 1-1 France