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

On Monday, France will host Belgium in Saint-Denis for their 80th encounter as neighbors and rivals. The two teams meet again after France edged Belgium 1-0 in the previous match.

Currently topping Group 1 of League A, France remains unbeaten under Zinédine Zidane’s leadership. His debut saw a narrow 1-0 win against Türkiye, followed by another slim victory over Belgium, before a 1-1 home draw with Italy.

The Red Devils, trailing just one point behind, have made an encouraging start under new coach Mark van Bommel. Their recent loss to France came between solid wins over Italy and Türkiye, revitalizing the team after a difficult World Cup.

The rivalry dates back to 1904, when the sides played a thrilling 3-3 draw in Brussels. This latest meeting promises less drama but plenty of intensity.

Match Prediction: France Looks to Extend Winning Streak

France managed a late winner from Michael Olise last time, although their performance in attack left room for improvement. They dominated expected goals and shots, hitting the woodwork twice, signaling clear superiority.

Belgium faces significant challenges without suspended midfielders Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne, the latter being their top Nations League contributor with three goal involvements. This absence leaves a big gap in Belgium’s playmaking.

France has kept two clean sheets so far this break and might secure a third against a weakened Belgium squad.

• Head-to-head: France has won six straight meetings recently. Belgium’s only win in the last ten was a 4-3 thriller at Stade de France.
• Missing players: Both Tielemans and De Bruyne will miss out due to suspension, impacting Belgium's midfield creativity.
• Zidane’s approach: France has started steady and measured under Zidane, relying on tactical discipline rather than flair.

Prediction: France 2–0 Belgium

Expected France Lineup

Zidane must adjust his defense after Dayot Upamecano's red card against Italy sidelines him for this game. Jérémy Jacquet is likely to pair with Maxence Lacroix at center-back. Pierre Kalulu continues at right back, while Adrien Truffert remains on the left.

Eduardo Camavinga may replace Lucas Da Cunha in midfield. The front trio of Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise looks set to test 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 Belgium Lineup

Without Tielemans and De Bruyne, Belgium’s midfield will rely on Roméo Lavia and Nicolas Raskin joining Hans Vanaken to fill the void. The forward line could see a competition between Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira on the right wing, alongside Charles De Ketelaere and Mika Godts.

Simon Lammens starts in goal since Thibaut Courtois has opted out of Nations League duty. The defense is expected to include Maxim De Cuyper, 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 Information

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