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

On Monday, the longstanding rivalry between France and Belgium continues as they meet for their 80th encounter. The match takes place in Saint-Denis, with France holding a narrow lead in Group 1 of League A after an unbeaten start under coach Zinédine Zidane.

Zidane's tenure began with a 1-0 win against Türkiye, followed by another 1-0 victory over Belgium. Their first home game ended in a 1-1 draw with Italy. Meanwhile, Belgium’s new coach Mark van Bommel has inspired his team after a rocky World Cup, with wins over Italy and Türkiye surrounding a tight loss to France.

Historical Context

The rivalry dates back to 1904, when the teams drew 3-3 in Brussels. Since then, France has dominated recent clashes, winning the last six matches. Belgium’s only win in the last ten meetings was a thrilling 4-3 victory at Stade de France.

Score Prediction: France Looks to Extend Dominance

The reverse fixture saw France clinch a late 88th-minute goal from Michael Olise. Despite that, France had more shots, chances, and hit the post twice, showing clear superiority. Belgium faces a tough challenge, especially without key midfielders Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne, both suspended. De Bruyne is particularly missed, leading Belgium in goal involvements this Nations League.

France has kept two clean sheets so far this break, and a third might be possible against a weakened Belgian side. Zidane’s approach remains steady and cautious, relying on methodical play rather than flair.

Prediction

• France 2–0 Belgium

Expected Lineups

France

Following Dayot Upamecano’s suspension after a red card against Italy, Zidane must adjust his defense. Jérémy Jacquet is likely to partner Maxence Lacroix at center-back. Pierre Kalulu has started over Jules Koundé at right-back recently, while Adrien Truffert will probably continue on the left.

In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga may replace Lucas Da Cunha. The attacking trio of Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise looks set to challenge Belgium’s defense. Kylian Mbappé remains sidelined due to injury sustained against Türkiye.

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

Belgium

Belgium’s midfield will miss Tielemans and De Bruyne, a significant blow. Roméo Lavia and Nicolas Raskin are expected to fill their roles alongside Hans Vanaken. The forward line includes Charles De Ketelaere and Mika Godts, with a competition between Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira on the right wing.

Simon Lammens will start in goal after Thibaut Courtois opted out despite no injury. Maxim De Cuyper should return to defense with Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, and Brandon Mechele.

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

Match Details

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

For a full list of UEFA Nations League broadcasters worldwide, consult official sources.