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

France Takes On Belgium in Their 80th Encounter

The long-standing rivalry between France and Belgium continues as the two teams face off in the UEFA Nations League's fourth round. The match is set for Monday in Saint-Denis, where Les Bleus hold the top spot in Group 1 of League A after a strong start under Zinédine Zidane.

Zidane’s debut saw a 1–0 win over Türkiye, followed by another narrow victory against Belgium. Their home game ended in a 1–1 draw with Italy. Meanwhile, Belgium trails by a single point, energized under new coach Mark van Bommel despite a challenging World Cup campaign. Their recent form includes solid wins against Italy and Türkiye, interrupted only by a late loss to France.

Match History and Context

This meeting marks the 80th time these neighbors have clashed, dating back to their thrilling 3–3 draw in Brussels in 1904. Though that game was filled with drama, this encounter looks more controlled and tactical.

Score Prediction: France Edges Belgium

France managed a late winner in their previous match thanks to Michael Olise but could have secured a larger margin if not for inefficiency up front. They outperformed Belgium in expected goals, shots, and even hit the post twice, showing their clear dominance.

Belgium faces a tough challenge without suspended midfielders Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne's absence is particularly damaging since he leads the team with three goal involvements in this Nations League campaign. This gap will make creating chances harder for the Red Devils.

France has kept two clean sheets so far this break and might be on track for a third against a weakened Belgium side.

• Head-to-head record: France has won the last six matches against Belgium across all competitions. Belgium’s only win in the last 10 encounters was a 4–3 victory at Stade de France.
• De Bruyne missing: Losing both Tielemans and De Bruyne leaves Belgium with a fragile midfield, making their task even tougher.
• Zidane’s approach: Despite a wealth of attacking talent, France has adopted a measured and steady style, expected to continue in this match.

Prediction: France 2–0 Belgium

Projected Lineups

France Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Due to Dayot Upamecano's suspension after a red card against Italy, Zidane will reshuffle his defense. Jérémy Jacquet is likely to partner Maxence Lacroix at center-back. Pierre Kalulu has been preferred at right back recently, while Adrien Truffert should retain his spot on the left.

Eduardo Camavinga may replace Lucas Da Cunha in midfield. The front trio of Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise is expected to remain unchanged. Kylian Mbappé will miss the game due to injury sustained earlier in the tournament.

• Lineup: Maignan; Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Truffert; Cherki, Camavinga, Rabiot; Olise, Dembélé, Doué

Belgium Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Belgium's midfield will struggle without Tielemans and De Bruyne. Roméo Lavia and Nicolas Raskin are expected to fill those voids alongside Hans Vanaken.

Van Bommel has used Charles De Ketelaere and Mika Godts in the starting lineup regularly. The right-wing spot remains contested between Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira.

Thibaut Courtois is absent despite being fit, so Simon Lammens will continue in goal. Maxim De Cuyper should return to the defense, joining Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, and Brandon Mechele.

• Lineup: 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, Oct. 6
• Kick-off: 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT / 7:45 p.m. BST
• Referee: Nicholas Walsh (SCO)
• VAR: Andrew Dallas (SCO)

How to Watch Live

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