Belgium vs France – UEFA Nations League – Preview, Team News and Updates

The Nations League festivities continue, as neighbors France face Belgium in another heavyweight clash. Both the nations meet each other for the second time in a span of month at Stade Roi Baudouin later tonight.

Both France and Belgium started their Nations League campaign in contrasting fashions. While Belgium started their campaign with a win over Israel, France were dealt a hammer-blow when Italy came from behind to secure a 3-1 win in their Nations League opener. However, since then Les Bleus have leapfrogged their neighbors into second spot of League A Group 2, courtesy of wins over Belgium and Israel. The Red Devils would look to bounce back, and what better way to do that than a win over their traditional rivals. With so much on the line, which side will rise to the occasion and come out on top in this high-stakes showdown? 

Belgium vs France – Match Preview 

To say Belgium’s form at the Nations League has been topsy-turvy would be an understatement. The Red Devils got their campaign off to a decent start with a 3-1 win over Israel. But since that win, they were comprehensively defeated by France and were on the verge of another humiliating loss to Italy. Within just 25 minutes, Italy had stormed to a 2-0 lead and looked hungry for more, ready to run riot. However, a rash challenge by Lorenzo Pellegrini reduced Italy to 10 men, and the Belgians took advantage of their numerical superiority. Goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Leandro Trossard handed Belgium a very fortuitous draw.  

Despite accumulating just four points from three games, the Belgians are in a very good position to progress to the knockout phases of the competition. They still have to face Israel, who have lost every game so far. Furthermore, they now face France and Italy at home, which might give them a slight edge. Therefore, Domenico Tedesco’s men won’t fret over their current position in the group. However, securing a win against France – even at home – won't be an easy task. Les Bleus have derailed Belgium’s ambitions before, most notably eliminating them in the semifinals of 2018 FIFA World Cup and the Round of 16 at Euro 2024. So, the Belgians are eager for payback and will be looking to settle the score. 

On the other hand, France have recovered from their opening round defeat to Italy. A 2-0 win over Belgium and a 4-1 thrashing of Israel have put the Les Bleus in a very comfortable position, as they occupy the second spot in League A Group 2. Now, a win over Belgium would all but guarantee them a place in the knockout rounds of the competition. However, with talismanic captain Kylian Mbappe sidelined, the Red Devils may sense a glimmer of hope in toppling France. But even without their superstar, France has plenty of firepower, as they proved with a commanding 4-1 demolition of Israel. So, will Belgium finally avenge their Euro 2024 heartbreak, or will France continue to reign supreme over their neighbors? 

Belgium vs France – Team News and Updates 

France will be without Kylian Mbappe, who withdrew from the squad after seemingly being rushed back too soon from an injury by his club. Adding to the drama, Antoine Griezmann, one of Deschamps’s long-time favorites, recently retired from international duty after being benched in France's 3-1 loss to Italy, citing he wouldn’t remain in the squad without a regular starting role. 

N'Golo Kante was left out after missing his latest club match in Saudi Arabia, while Adrien Rabiot's lack of minutes at Marseille cost him a spot as well. On the flip side, Bradley Barcola and Matteo Guendouzi, both impact players off the bench in the win over Israel, could be handed starts if Deschamps opts for a more balanced midfield, following his attack-heavy setup last time out. 

Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku remains absent from the Belgium squad, despite showing good form at Napoli, as he continues to work on his fitness after a disrupted preseason. The ongoing rift between manager Domenico Tedesco and Thibaut Courtois means the Real Madrid goalkeeper wasn’t an option, though he's sidelined with an injury anyway. To complicate matters further, Matz Sels pulled out late due to a knock. 

Kevin De Bruyne is another notable absentee, leaving Youri Tielemans as the sole survivor from Belgium's 2018 World Cup squad. Tedesco appeared to be experimenting with a three-at-the-back system in the first half against Italy, but despite the struggles, he may stick with it, especially given the lack of available midfield options. 

Belgium vs France – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 15th October 2024 (Tuesday) Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels. The match will kick off at 12:15 AM (Indian Standard Time).