UEFA Nations League
France
05 Oct 2026
19:45
Belgium
UEFA Nations League · 41X: Double Chance France or Draw
France vs Belgium Preview
France approach this fixture riding a three-match winning streak, having shaken off two earlier defeats to find genuine momentum. Zinedine Zidane’s tenure began with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Turkey, a result that underlined defensive solidity even without their talisman. Kylian Mbappé’s absence through a knee hyperextension is a significant blow, forcing Zidane to reshuffle his attacking options. Les Bleus will lean on home advantage and their formidable recent record against Belgium at 1.58.
Belgium arrive in confident mood under Mark van Bommel, whose reign started with a commanding 2-0 away triumph against Italy. That result alone signals the Red Devils are capable of producing big performances on the road. Their recent form shows four matches unbeaten, with three wins and a draw providing a sturdy platform. Van Bommel has injected fresh energy into a squad that had grown stale, though Belgium’s record in this fixture remains a persistent concern heading into this Nations League clash.
France’s head-to-head dominance over Belgium in competitive fixtures is the cornerstone of this selection. Les Bleus have won five of their last six meaningful encounters against the Red Devils, including knockout victories at the highest level. That pedigree does not vanish overnight, even without Kylian Mbappé in the squad.
Zinedine Zidane’s appointment has already yielded a clean sheet victory over Turkey, and France’s recent three-match winning run suggests the squad is responding well to new tactical ideas. Belgium’s confident start under Mark van Bommel, highlighted by a solid away win against Italy, makes this no walkover. Still, the home advantage at 1.58 tilts the balance towards France.
Mbappé’s absence through a knee hyperextension forces Zidane to explore his attacking depth, yet France possess enough quality across the forward line to compensate. The double chance covering a home win or draw offers a sensible route into this fixture, anchored by France’s superior recent record and strong domestic form. Back France not to lose at 1.58.
Trends to Know about France vs Belgium
- France won last five head-to-head meetings
- Mbappé absent with knee hyperextension injury
- Belgium beat Italy away under Van Bommel
Recent form
LLWWW
Wins3/5 (60%)
Draws0/5 (0%)
Losses2/5 (40%)
Season statistics (5)
0Total goals
0%Both teams score
0Goals scored
0Goals conceded
Recent form
LWWWD
Wins3/5 (60%)
Draws1/5 (20%)
Losses1/5 (20%)
Season statistics (5)
0Total goals
0%Both teams score
0Goals scored
0Goals conceded
4-2-3-1
Starters
- 1 Senne Lammens
- 2 Timothy Castagne
- 3 Nathan Ngoy
- 4 Brandon Mechele
- 5 Maxim De Cuyper
- 6 Youri Tielemans
- 7 Nicolas Raskin
- 8 Dodi Lukébakio
- 9 Kevin De Bruyne
- 10 Malick Fofana
- 11 Charles De Ketelaere
Bench
- Romelu Lukaku
- Romeo Lavia
- Mika Godts
- Arthur Theate
- Koni De Winter
Absent
- Leandro Trossard (Heel injury, expected back mid-October 2026.)
- Thibaut Courtois (Absent by agreement/injury issues.)
- Jérémy Doku (Injury.)
4-3-3
Starters
- 1 Mike Maignan
- 2 Jules Koundé
- 3 Dayot Upamecano
- 4 Maxence Lacroix
- 5 Adrien Truffert
- 6 Manu Koné
- 7 Adrien Rabiot
- 8 Rayan Cherki
- 9 Michael Olise
- 10 Ousmane Dembélé
- 11 Désiré Doué
Bench
- Eduardo Camavinga
- Bradley Barcola
- Lucas Hernández
- Axel Disasi
- Alphonse Areola
Absent
- Kylian Mbappé (Knee hyperextension (posterior capsule of left knee), suffered September 25, 2026. Expected to miss 10-12 days.)
- Mattéo Guendouzi (Suspension.)
- Warren Zaïre-Emery (Injury.)
- Konate (Sprain, left training camp.)
Medium confidence
A 4-2-3-1 versus 4-3-3 shape sets up a fascinating midfield contest, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling strings at the heart of Belgium’s attack and France relying on the creative interplay of Michael Olise and Désiré Doué to stretch the visiting defensive block.
Both lineups carry strong credibility across multiple outlets, so there is little uncertainty about who starts. The tactical battle in the wide channels looks decisive: Belgium’s wing options will test France’s full-backs repeatedly, while De Ketelaere’s movement between the lines could equally disrupt the French midfield’s defensive shape.
How to Watch France vs Belgium Match?What time is France vs Belgium?
France vs Belgium kicks off on 5 October 2026 at 19:45 local time.
Where is France vs Belgium being played?
The venue for France vs Belgium is yet to be confirmed by UEFA.
How Can I Watch France vs Belgium on TV and Live Stream?
Broadcast details for France vs Belgium will be confirmed closer to the fixture date.