Contents
- Competition: Nations League
- Date: 5th October 2026
- Kick-off: 19:45 UK / 20:45 CEST
- Venue: Stade de France
But France faces a completely different kind of pressure this time around. They are desperate to return to winning ways after dropping points for the very first time under Zinedine Zidane. A frustrating draw against Italy cracked their perfect start. Now, the cushion is gone. Les Bleus absolutely own this fixture historically with six straight competitive wins over Belgium, but a wounded giant is vulnerable. Belgium brings tactical arrogance and elite precision. My gut says the Red Devils will fight dirty and snatch a gritty point. Let’s dive straight into the best bets.
France vs Belgium Head to Head (H2H) stats
-
Belgium
0 : 1
France
UEFA Nations League
-
Belgium
1 : 2
France
UEFA Nations League
-
France
2 : 0
Belgium
UEFA Nations League
-
France
1 : 0
Belgium
European Championship
-
France
1 : 0
Belgium
World Cup
-
France
3 : 4
Belgium
Friendly International
France has utterly dominated Belgium across their last six competitive meetings since 2018, securing six consecutive victories with a commanding 10-3 aggregate scoreline. Les Bleus consistently paralyzed the Belgian attack, keeping four clean sheets, while a 1-0 scoreline emerged three times as France's favorite weapon of choice.
France team overview
France enters this one searching for an urgent response. Les Bleus must shake off the hangover from a bitter fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, where a chaotic 6-4 defeat to England ended their tournament run.
Zinedine Zidane’s men initially rebounded with consecutive 1-0 Nations League wins over Turkey and Belgium, but a recent 1-1 draw against Italy shattered their perfect start under the new boss.
When it comes to home form, they are actually on a strong run despite that latest slip-up, having won three of their last four home games. It's a reliable record that proves how tough they remain in front of their own fans.
Michael Olise remains the undisputed spark, contributing to both goals scored in this tournament, while Dayot Upamecano is a major absentee after his costly red card against Italy.
Last matches of France
-
France
1 : 1
Italy
UEFA Nations League
-
Belgium
0 : 1
France
UEFA Nations League
-
Turkey
0 : 1
France
UEFA Nations League
-
France
4 : 6
England
World Cup
-
France
0 : 2
Spain
World Cup
France lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Mike Maignan
Defenders
-
2
Pierre Kalulu
-
22
Jérémy Jacquet
-
17
Maxence Lacroix
-
3
Adrien Truffert
Midfielders
-
14
Adrien Rabiot
-
6
Eduardo Camavinga
-
9
Rayan Cherki
Forwards
-
11
Michael Olise
-
7
Ousmane Dembélé
-
20
Désiré Doué
Belgium team overview
Belgium enters this one aiming to extract immediate revenge. The Red Devils have plenty to prove following their exit at the 2026 World Cup, where they advanced to the quarter-finals before falling short in a narrow 2-1 defeat to eventual champions Spain.
Mark van Bommel’s men have put together a solid bounce-back campaign in the Nations League, comfortably sitting on six points after answering a tough 1-0 loss against France with a commanding 3-0 masterclass over Turkey.
When it comes to away form, they are currently on a stellar run on the road. Belgium remain undefeated on enemy territory in 2026, most recently dismantling Italy 2-0 right in Rome.
Kevin De Bruyne remains the ultimate cheat code, having just fired a massive two-goal brace against Turkey, though they'll heavily miss injured star Jérémy Doku out on the flank.
Last matches of Belgium
-
Belgium
3 : 0
Turkey
UEFA Nations League
-
Belgium
0 : 1
France
UEFA Nations League
-
Italy
0 : 2
Belgium
UEFA Nations League
-
Spain
2 : 1
Belgium
World Cup
-
United States
1 : 4
Belgium
World Cup
Belgium lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Senne Lammens
Defenders
-
21
Timothy Castagne
-
15
Nathan Ngoy
-
4
Brandon Mechele
-
5
Maxim De Cuyper
Midfielders
-
8
Youri Tielemans
-
6
Roméo Lavia
-
7
Kevin De Bruyne
Forwards
-
14
Dodi Lukébakio
-
17
Charles De Ketelaere
-
10
Mika Godts
Prediction
Despite Belgium’s away prowess, France is simply a different beast at home. Zidane doesn't tolerate mistakes. Expect a tactical masterclass. They will choke the life out of Belgium's midfield before turning the screws.
It won’t be a complete blowout, though. De Bruyne always finds a magic pocket of space, so they'll definitely grab one. Still, France prevails. Take the 2-1 home win.
Four reasons we expect under 3.5 goals in this game
- Six of the last seven games of France finished with under 2.5 goals.
- France have conceded just once in three games under Zidane.
- Belgium kept a clean sheet in three of their last four games in the Nations League.
- All the last four games of Belgium finished with three or fewer goals.
Main prediction France - Belgium
Under 3.5 goals
Best Odds:
France vs Belgium standings in UEFA Nations League
| Group 1 | P | W | D | L |
G - A
|
GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 - 1 | +2 | 7 |
| 2 | Belgium | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 - 1 | +4 | 6 |
| 3 | Italy | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 - 4 | +1 | 4 |
| 4 | Türkiye | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 - 8 | -7 | 0 |