Two matches, two wins for Zinedine Zidane. With a completely reshuffled side, France win 1-0 in Belgium on Monday night at the King Baudouin Stadium, through a Michael Olise goal in the 88th minute. Les Bleus go top of their group on their own.
What was the Belgium - France score?
France win 1-0 in Brussels. On as a substitute in the 77th minute, Olise brings the ball down with his shoulder in his own half, runs through the Belgian half, cuts inside and curls it in with his left foot: 0-1 in the 88th minute. On the touchline, Zidane sprints along the line and kicks a ball in joy.
The goal rewards clear dominance: 65% possession for France, who are long held up by Senne Lammens and the woodwork. Desire Doue hits the crossbar as early as the 12th minute, Lucas Da Cunha the post in the 53rd.
Who played for France?
Zidane had promised changes: he makes nine from the match in Turkey. Only Mike Maignan and Maxence Lacroix keep their place.
- Starting XI: Maignan; Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Diouf; Da Cunha, Camavinga, Akliouche; Barcola, Lepaul, Doue
Andy Diouf, Jeremy Jacquet and Lucas Da Cunha win their first cap, Esteban Lepaul makes his first start. Maghnes Akliouche, called up on 21 September in place of the injured Warren Zaire-Emery, starts. Olise and Rayan Cherki come on together in the 77th minute.
Kylian Mbappe, injured in the left knee while scoring the only goal of Turkey - France, has gone back to Madrid for treatment and was not replaced: France had 22 players in Brussels.
How good is van Bommel's Belgium?
The Red Devils also changed coach after the World Cup. Mark van Bommel succeeded Rudi Garcia on 24 July, after Garcia's contract was not renewed despite a World Cup quarter-final, lost 2-1 to Spain.
2-0 winners in Italy on Friday, Belgium are on the back foot this time, without Arthur Theate, Kyriani Sabbe or Malick Fofana. Their defeat extends a run: France have won the last six meetings, and Belgium's last win dates back to 2015.
What are the standings in France's group?
Italy bounce back the same night with a 4-1 win in Turkey, in Bursa. After two matchdays, France lead group A1 on their own:
- France: 6 points
- Belgium: 3 points
- Italy: 3 points
- Turkey: 0 points
The top two go through to the quarter-finals, the bottom side drops to League B.
What is France's Nations League schedule?
- Friday 25 September: Turkey - France, 0-1
- Monday 28 September: Belgium - France, 0-1
- Friday 2 October: France - Italy, at the Stade de France
- Monday 5 October: France - Belgium, at the Stade de France
- Thursday 12 November: Italy - France
- Sunday 15 November: France - Turkey
Sources
Foot Mercato — France : la folle joie de Zidane sur le but d'Olise
Foot Mercato — Résultat Belgique - France (0-1), 2e journée de Ligue des nations 2026/2027
Footeo — Équipe de France : nouveau forfait pour Zidane, Akliouche appelé
Foot Mercato — Équipe de France : Kylian Mbappé ne sera pas remplacé
Foot Mercato — Équipe de France : Zidane fait le show en conférence de presse avant la Belgique
Sports Illustrated — Belgium vs. France, Nations League: Preview, Predictions and Lineups
LaPresse — Ligue des Nations : Turquie-Italie 1-4
UEFA — 2026/27 UEFA Nations League league phase fixtures by team