France vs Belgium Preview: Prediction, Team News and Expected Lineups

France will host Belgium in a crucial UEFA Nations League meeting with the top of Group A1 at stake. Zinedine Zidane’s side enter the match as group leaders, but Belgium are only one point behind and could move above Les Bleus with a victory. 

France have made an unbeaten start under Zidane. They opened the campaign with narrow victories over Türkiye and Belgium before drawing 1-1 with Italy in their most recent match. Belgium, meanwhile, bounced back from their defeat to France by beating Italy and then recording a 3-0 victory over Türkiye. 

The latest meeting therefore promises to be a much tighter contest, with both teams fighting for control of the group.

France looking to strengthen their position

Zidane’s first games as France manager have produced positive results, even if the performances have not always been spectacular.

Les Bleus defeated Belgium 1-0 in the reverse fixture, with Michael Olise scoring the decisive goal late in the match. France also kept clean sheets against Türkiye and Belgium before conceding against Italy. 

Olise has emerged as one of France’s key attacking players during this international window. His ability to create chances and contribute goals could once again be decisive against Belgium.

France will, however, have to make changes to their defense. Dayot Upamecano is suspended following his red card against Italy, while Matteo Guendouzi is also unavailable. Warren Zaïre-Emery is out with a thigh problem. 

Kylian Mbappé is also still unavailable after suffering an injury in France’s opening match against Türkiye. 

Belgium have a major midfield problem

Belgium arrive with confidence after their impressive 3-0 win over Türkiye, but Mark van Bommel will be without two of his most important midfielders.

Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans are both suspended after collecting yellow cards in successive Nations League matches. De Bruyne was particularly influential against Türkiye, scoring twice before receiving the booking that ruled him out of the France clash. 

Roméo Lavia and Nicolas Raskin are expected to come into the midfield, with Hans Vanaken also likely to play an important role. 

Belgium will need to compensate for the absence of De Bruyne’s creativity if they are to break down a French side that has conceded only once in three Nations League matches.

France vs Belgium head-to-head

This rivalry has produced plenty of memorable matches over the years, but recent history strongly favours France.

The French have now won the last six meetings between the nations across all competitions. Belgium’s most recent victory came at the Stade de France, when they won 4-3. 

The reverse Nations League fixture was another narrow French victory, with Olise’s late goal separating the sides.

Belgium will therefore be looking to end a difficult run against their neighbours while also moving to the top of the group.

Expected France lineup

Zidane is expected to make changes because of suspensions and injuries.

France predicted XI:
Maignan; Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Truffert; Cherki, Da Cunha, Camavinga; Olise, Dembélé, Doué. 

Jérémy Jacquet is expected to partner Maxence Lacroix in central defense, while Eduardo Camavinga could return to the midfield.

The attacking trio of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué is expected to remain in place.

Expected Belgium lineup

Belgium are also expected to change their midfield following the suspensions of De Bruyne and Tielemans.

Belgium predicted XI:
Lammens; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Lavia, Vanaken; Lukébakio, De Ketelaere, Godts. 

Senne Lammens should continue in goal, while Charles De Ketelaere is expected to lead the attack.

France vs Belgium prediction

Belgium have enough quality to make this a competitive match, particularly after their convincing win over Türkiye. However, the absence of De Bruyne and Tielemans could significantly reduce their control in midfield.

France have home advantage, a strong recent record against Belgium and an attack capable of creating problems even without Mbappé.

Prediction: France 2-1 Belgium.

A victory would allow Zidane’s side to strengthen their grip on first place in Group A1, while another defeat would make Belgium’s route to the top considerably more difficult.