Belgium and France will clash once more on Monday as they continue their UEFA Nations League campaign in Brussels. The two had previously met during UEFA Euro 2024 this summer, where France faced a tough start with a loss to Italy in Paris. However, they bounced back with victories against both Belgium and Israel. Meanwhile, Belgium, under Domenico Tedesco’s management, has seen a dip in form, currently sitting in third place in their group. Their recent performance included a draw with the Italians after a previous defeat to France.
In their last encounter at Stadio Olimpico, the Red Devils managed to secure a point after coming back from a 2-0 deficit, with goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Leandro Trossard. A red card for Italy’s Lorenzo Pellegrini tilted the match in Belgium’s favor, although they felt they deserved a penalty for a foul on Lois Openda. The match ended in a stalemate, setting the stage for the upcoming meeting in Brussels.
These teams have faced each other a couple of times recently, with France emerging victorious in both matches, including a win in the UNL and another in the Euro round of 16. Coach Didier Deschamps has historically maintained a strong record against Belgium, including semifinal victories in the 2021 Nations League and the 2018 World Cup. France looks to capitalize on their recent form, following a decisive 4-1 victory over Israel.
The match details are as follows:
Date: Monday, October 14 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
Location: King Baudouin Stadium – Brussels, Belgium
TV: FS2 | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
Odds: Belgium +188; Draw +250; France +125
In the League A Group 2 standings, Belgium currently sits third with four points from nine possible, while France is in second with six points. Belgium still has matches against Italy and Israel to play, and they are optimistic about securing a top-two finish to advance. Coach Tedesco aims to avoid losses in the upcoming matches against France and Italy, while Deschamps will focus on maintaining an unbeaten run.
Team news reveals that Belgium will be without Romelu Lukaku, injuries affecting Thibaut Courtois, and several key players like Matz Sels and Kevin De Bruyne. Tedesco may opt for a three-man backline similar to their last game against Italy.
Possible Belgium XI: Casteels; Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Mangala; Trossard, Openda, Doku.
For France, Kylian Mbappé is unavailable, and Antoine Griezmann has retired. N’Golo Kanté and Adrien Rabiot will also miss the match. Young talents Bradley Barcola and Matteo Guendouzi could start after their impressive performances against Israel, while Randal Kolo Muani looks to find his scoring touch.
Possible France XI: Maignan; Koundé, Konaté, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Guendouzi; Olise, Kolo Muani, Barcola.
In terms of predictions, France is favored to narrowly defeat Belgium once again, though a draw is also a possibility given Belgium’s resilience. The expected outcome is Belgium 0, France 1.