France secured a late victory over Belgium with a precise strike from Michael Olise in the 88th minute, clinching a 1-0 win. Under the guidance of Zinedine Zidane, the French side dominated the match despite significant squad rotations and several player debuts.
During the first half, France created numerous chances. Desire Doué struck the crossbar, and Belgian goalkeeper Lammens made several key saves from efforts by Lépol, Barkolia, and Acliuș. After the break, Da Cunha hit the post. Belgium only began to find some rhythm late in the game through counterattacks from Lukebakio and De Ketelaere, but Mike Maignan remained solid in goal. The match-winning goal by Olise confirmed France‘s top spot in the group ahead of their upcoming clash with Italy.
UEFA Nations League 2026-27
Belgium 0–1 France (0–0)
Goal: Olise 88 (0–1)
Belgium: Lammens; Mechele; Ngoi N.; Seis (De Kuyper 68); Castagne; Lavia (Raskin 85); De Bruyne (Vanaken 63); Tielemans; De Ketelaere (Fernandez-Pardo 85); Moreira D. (Lukebakio 63); Godts
Substitutions: Vanaken (63), Lukebakio (63), De Kuyper (68), Raskin (85), Fernandez-Pardo (85)
Reserves: Vandevoordt; De Buisser; Debast; De Winter K.; Keita Man.; Lukaku R.; Openda
Yellow cards: Moreira D. 42; De Bruyne 57; Tielemans 66
France: Maignan; Kalulu; Lacroix M.; Jaque; Kamavinga; Acliuș (Cherki 77); Da Cunha (Koné M. 90); Doué D.; Barkolia B. (Olise 77); Diouf A.; Lépol (Dembélé U. 68)
Substitutions: Dembélé U. (68), Olise (77), Cherki (77), Koné M. (90)
Reserves: Rest; Butez; Truffe; Upamecano; Koundé; Yoro; Rabiot
Related Stories
