France v Belgium preview: UEFA Nations League 2026-27 — team news, lineups and prediction

France will meet Belgium at the Stade de France on October 5 (BST) in their fourth group-stage match of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27. The fixture is billed as another intense encounter between the two nations.

Zinedine Zidane’s France were held 1-1 by Italy in their last match, a game in which they controlled proceedings but produced limited attacking returns, registering 18 shots and converting once. Les Bleus remain unbeaten in the current Nations League campaign and will host this meeting, carrying the advantage of playing at home; the article also notes France recently beat Belgium 1-0 away.

Belgium, coached by Mark van Bommel, arrived off a 3-0 victory over Turkiye in which they scored early and applied pressure throughout. That win left the Red Devils with two wins from their first three Nations League fixtures, and Belgium will aim to carry that momentum into Saint-Denis.

Michael Olise has been in strong form for France, opening the scoring in the 1-1 draw with Italy and bringing his international tally to goals in each of his last two appearances; he is capable of operating both on the wing and as an attacking midfielder. The piece describes Olise’s recent contribution as significant to France’s attacking options.

The report also highlights a 35-year-old Belgian who was influential in the 3-0 win over Turkiye, scoring a brace and earning plaudits for his performance. The article adds that Kevin De Bruyne can control the midfield and contribute in attack.

Disciplinary and squad notes list Dayot Upamecano as unavailable for France after receiving a red card against Italy, while Belgium are said to be bringing all of their selected squad members. Probable lineups provided read: Maignan (GK); Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Truffert; Cherki, Da Cunha, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue Lammens (GK); De Cuyper, Mechele, Ngoy, Castagne; Vanaken, Tielemans, De Bruyne; Godts, De Ketelaere, Lukebakio.

The preview concludes with a prediction that France, buoyed by home advantage and current form, are likely to prevail over Belgium. Broadcasters listed for the match include Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV in India, la chaine L’Équipe and TF1+ in France, and FOX Sports, FuboTV and ViX in the USA; the article also notes that live streaming will be available via the SonyLIV app and website.