Belgium vs France Preview: Nations League Clash in Brussels

Belgium and France meet at the King Baudouin Stadium on Monday, September 28, 2026, in Round 2 of Group A1 in the UEFA Nations League. Both teams opened their campaigns with away wins, but major changes on both benches and France’s loss of Kylian Mbappe add an extra layer to this heavyweight encounter.

Belgium started their new era under Mark van Bommel with a 2-0 victory over Italy in Rome. France also made a winning start under new manager Zinédine Zidane, beating Turkey 1-0 in Kocaeli. The visitors, however, will be without Mbappé after the forward suffered an injury in that victory.

Key Match Details

• Match: Belgium vs France
• Competition: UEFA Nations League
• Group: A1
• Venue: King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels
• Date: Monday, September 28, 2026 (11:45 PM PKT)

Belgium vs France Preview

The Belgium vs France fixture brings together two teams adjusting to new managerial approaches. Van Bommel has introduced a more aggressive pressing structure since taking charge, with Belgium expected to operate in a 4-3-3 formation.

Youri Tielemans will captain the Belgian side from midfield, while Loïs Openda is expected to lead the attack. Leandro Trossard and Dodi Lukébakio provide additional attacking options from the wide areas.

Belgium will be without Jérémy Doku and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, both of whom are unavailable for this encounter. Despite those absences, the hosts have enough technical quality to challenge France across the pitch.

France are also beginning a new chapter under Zidane following Didier Deschamps' departure. Their opening 1-0 win over Turkey showed defensive discipline, while the squad still possesses significant attacking depth despite Mbappé's withdrawal.

Ousmane Dembélé is expected to wear the captain's armband in Mbappé's absence. Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Randal Kolo Muani are among the attacking players expected to carry greater responsibility.

Belgium vs France Head-to-Heads (Last 5)

France have dominated the recent Belgium vs France rivalry, particularly in major competitive matches. The last five meetings have all gone in Les Bleus' favour, with several of those victories coming by narrow margins.

• October 14, 2024: Belgium 1-2 France
• September 9, 2024: France 2-0 Belgium
• July 1, 2024: France 0-1 Belgium
• October 7, 2021: Belgium 2-3 France
• July 10, 2018: France 0-1 Belgium

Belgium vs France UNL Predicted Lineups

Belgium Expected XI (4-3-3)

Koen Casteels, Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper, Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans (C), Charles De Ketelaere; Dodi Lukebakio, Lois Openda, Leandro Trossard

France Expected XI (4-3-3)

Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouaméni, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele (C), Randal Kolo Muani, Bradley Barcola