France vs Belgium: Nations League Clash Preview and Lineups

The longstanding rivalry between France and Belgium continues as they meet for the 80th time on Monday in Saint-Denis during the UEFA Nations League. Les Bleus currently top Group 1 in League A, undefeated under the new leadership of Zinédine Zidane. His debut saw a narrow 1–0 victory over Türkiye, followed by another 1–0 win against Belgium, before a 1–1 draw at home to Italy.

The Red Devils, just a point behind France, have shown signs of revival with coach Mark van Bommel, bouncing back from a tough World Cup with wins over Italy and Türkiye. Their recent narrow loss to France was sandwiched between these victories, signaling renewed energy.

Their rivalry dates back to 1904, starting with an exciting 3–3 draw in Brussels, but Sunday's match is expected to be less dramatic than that classic encounter.

Match Outlook and Prediction

France managed a late winner in the reverse fixture thanks to Michael Olise's goal, but could have done better given their dominance in expected goals, shots, and hitting the woodwork twice. They are clearly the stronger team on paper.

Belgium will struggle without suspended midfielders Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne, whose absence leaves a gap that will hinder chance creation. De Bruyne leads Belgium with three goal involvements in this Nations League campaign.

France has kept two clean sheets so far and might extend that record against a weakened Belgian squad. The French side has won six straight matches against Belgium, with Belgium’s only recent win being a thrilling 4–3 game at Stade de France.

Prediction: France 2–0 Belgium

Expected Lineups

• Goalkeeper: Maignan
• Defenders: Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Truffert
• Midfielders: Cherki, Camavinga, Rabiot
• Forwards: Olise, Dembélé, Doué

Zidane must adjust his defense due to Dayot Upamecano's suspension after a red card versus Italy. Jérémy Jacquet is expected to pair with Maxence Lacroix in central defense. Pierre Kalulu continues at right back over Jules Koundé, while Adrien Truffert holds the left-back spot. Eduardo Camavinga may come into midfield replacing Lucas Da Cunha. The attacking trio remains the same despite the ongoing absence of Kylian Mbappé, who is sidelined with injury.

• Goalkeeper: Lammens
• Defenders: Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper
• Midfielders: Raskin, Lavia, Vanaken
• Forwards: Lukébakio, De Ketelaere, Godts

Without Tielemans and De Bruyne, Van Bommel likely brings Roméo Lavia and Nicolas Raskin into midfield alongside Hans Vanaken. The forward line features competition on the right wing between Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira, but both Charles De Ketelaere and Mika Godts have been regular starters. Thibaut Courtois is absent despite no injury; therefore, Lammens continues in goal. Maxim De Cuyper is set to return to the backline.

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