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

France Faces Belgium in the UEFA Nations League

The fourth round of UEFA Nations League sees France host Belgium in Saint-Denis on Monday, marking their 80th encounter. The last match between these neighbors ended with France winning 1–0.

France leads Group 1 in League A, remaining unbeaten since Zinédine Zidane took charge. His debut saw a narrow 1–0 win against Türkiye, followed by the same result over Belgium, before settling for a 1–1 draw at home to Italy.

Belgium, just one point behind, have shown promise under new coach Mark van Bommel. Despite a recent loss to France, they secured strong wins over Italy and Türkiye, reviving spirits after a disappointing World Cup.

Their rivalry dates back to 1904, starting with a dramatic 3–3 draw in Brussels, but Monday's game is expected to be less chaotic.

Match Prediction: France Looks to Extend Dominance

France might have relied on Michael Olise’s late goal in the previous meeting, but they controlled much of the game with more shots and hitting the post twice. They appear stronger overall.

Belgium faces a tough challenge without suspended midfielders Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne, who has been key with three goal involvements in this Nations League. Their absence could severely limit Belgium’s creativity and chances.

France has kept two clean sheets so far and might secure a third against a weakened Belgian side.

• Head-to-head: France has won the last six meetings. Belgium’s sole win in the last ten was a thrilling 4–3 at Stade de France.
• Key Absence: De Bruyne’s suspension hits Belgium hard; Tielemans is also out.
• Zidane’s Approach: France has played methodically and steadily despite attacking talent.

Prediction: France 2–0 Belgium

Projected France Lineup

Zidane must adjust his defense after Dayot Upamecano’s red card against Italy, leaving him suspended. Jérémy Jacquet is expected to partner Maxence Lacroix at center back. Pierre Kalulu likely continues at right back, with Adrien Truffert holding the left side.

Midfield may see Eduardo Camavinga replace Lucas Da Cunha. The attacking trio of Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise is set 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.

Predicted Belgium Lineup

Without Tielemans and De Bruyne, Belgium will likely field Roméo Lavia and Nicolas Raskin alongside Hans Vanaken in midfield. The forward line may feature Charles De Ketelaere and Mika Godts, with a contest between Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira for the right wing spot.

Simon Lammens will start in goal, replacing Thibaut Courtois who opted out despite no injury. Maxim De Cuyper is expected back in defense with Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, and Brandon Mechele completing the back four.

• 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 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 broadcasters worldwide, check the UEFA Nations League official sources.