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

On Monday, the long-standing rivalry between France and Belgium continues as they meet for the 80th time, this time in Saint-Denis. The French side, known as Les Bleus, lead Group 1 in League A with an unbeaten record under new manager Zinédine Zidane. Their campaign began with a narrow 1-0 win over Türkiye, followed by another 1-0 victory against Belgium, and then a 1-1 draw at home against Italy.

Belgium, trailing by just one point, have started promisingly under coach Mark van Bommel. Despite a late defeat to France, the Red Devils secured convincing wins over Italy and Türkiye, helping them recover after a difficult World Cup run.

Their first-ever meeting dates back to 1904, ending in a thrilling 3-3 draw in Brussels, but this match is expected to be less dramatic.

Score Prediction: France Expected to Edge Belgium

The reverse fixture saw France clinch a late winner thanks to Michael Olise’s goal in the 88th minute. Though the victory was narrow, France dominated key stats such as expected goals, shots, and attempts on target, even hitting the woodwork twice. This indicates they hold the upper hand.

Belgium faces a challenge with the absence of Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne, both suspended. Losing De Bruyne is especially damaging since he leads Belgium in goal contributions (three) during this Nations League campaign. Without them, Belgium’s midfield creativity will be compromised.

France has already kept two clean sheets in this international break, suggesting a third might be on the horizon against a depleted Belgian team.

  • Head-to-head: France has won the last six meetings against Belgium across all competitions. Belgium has managed only one win in their past ten matches, a 4-3 victory at Stade de France.
  • Missing Stars: Van Bommel will miss Tielemans and De Bruyne, a blow that could hinder Belgium’s attacking flow.
  • Zidane’s Approach: Despite having a strong attacking squad, France’s start under Zidane has been controlled and steady, likely continuing with a similar style on Monday.

Prediction: France 2–0 Belgium

Expected Lineup: France

Zidane must adjust his defense after Dayot Upamecano’s red card against Italy. Suspended for this game, he’ll probably be replaced by Jérémy Jacquet partnering Maxence Lacroix. At right-back, Pierre Kalulu has been preferred over Jules Koundé recently, while Adrien Truffert is expected to keep his place on the left.

In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga might come in for Lucas Da Cunha. The front three of Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise are set to challenge Belgium’s defense once more. Kylian Mbappé remains sidelined due to injury sustained against Türkiye.

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

Expected Lineup: Belgium

Belgium will struggle without Tielemans and De Bruyne, the latter suspended after receiving a yellow card against Türkiye despite scoring twice. Roméo Lavia and Nicolas Raskin are likely to fill their midfield spots alongside Hans Vanaken.

The forward line may include Charles De Ketelaere and Mika Godts, while Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira will compete for a spot on the right wing. Goalkeeper Lammens is set to start after Thibaut Courtois opted out of the Nations League.

Maxim De Cuyper should return to the backline with 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

  • 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 Info

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

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