France vs Belgium in Nations League: Olise and De Bruyne Ahead of Group A1 Showdown
Theo Manasi Pathak, Al Jazeera English
France host Belgium at the Stade de France on Monday with just one point separating the top two teams in Nations League Group A1. France lead with 7 points, while Belgium sit second on 6, though Belgium will be without suspended stars Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans.
Match information
France host Belgium at the Stade de France (Saint-Denis, France) at 20:45 local time (18:45 GMT) on Monday in UEFA Nations League 2026-2027 Group A1. It is the final of four Nations League matches in this extended international window.
The Saint-Denis encounter brings together the top two teams in Group A1, with France aiming to complete a league-phase double after their win in Brussels in late September.
Both France and Belgium come into the match with in-form creative stars. Michael Olise has scored in two consecutive games, while Kevin De Bruyne's brace helped Belgium win their most recent outing.
Belgium, however, will be without De Bruyne against Les Bleus, as the midfielder is suspended along with captain Youri Tielemans.
What is the UEFA Nations League?
The UEFA Nations League was created in 2018 to reduce the number of friendlies and give nations competitive matches against opponents of similar standard. Countries across Europe take part in a competition structure featuring promotion and relegation.
Format
Teams compete across four tiers, playing each other team in their group twice: once at home and once away. The league phase ends in November.
In the top tier, League A, the top two teams in each group qualify for the quarter-finals, held in March. The finals are then contested between four teams. The host and dates of the finals have not yet been confirmed.
How have France and Belgium performed?
France lead Group A1 with 7 points from three matches, having beaten Turkey 1-0 away, beaten Belgium 1-0 away and drawn 1-1 with Italy.
Belgium are second with 6 points, having won 2-0 away to Italy, lost 0-1 to France and beaten Turkey 3-0.
Head-to-head record
The two sides have met 79 times, with France winning 30, Belgium winning 30 and 19 draws.
Recent form
France: Draw - Win - Win - Loss - Loss.
Belgium: Win - Loss - Win - Loss - Win.
Coaches' comments
Zinedine Zidane (France): "We always want to win. We are a determined team. The most important thing is to prepare well for matches and feel comfortable on the pitch. I am very happy with the spirit I have seen so far. I have clear beliefs. I love the France team and I have top-class players, but I know it will take time. I am very pleased with what I have seen."
Mark van Bommel (Belgium): "France have exceptional quality. They are a complete team. However, in the first match, we should have taken at least a point. So it is possible tomorrow. We have to be on top in every area."
Team news and predicted line-ups
France: Matteo Guendouzi and Dayot Upamecano are suspended, while Warren Zaire-Emery is absent with a thigh injury.
Predicted France line-up: Mike Maignan; Pierre Kalulu, Jeremy Jacquet, Maxence Lacroix, Adrien Truffert; Rayan Cherki, Lucas Da Cunha, Eduardo Camavinga; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue.
Belgium: De Bruyne and Tielemans are both suspended after receiving two yellow cards in consecutive matches.
Predicted Belgium line-up: Senne Lammens; Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper; Nicolas Raskin, Romeo Lavia, Hans Vanaken; Dodi Lukebakio, Charles De Ketelaere, Mika Godts.
