Frank Christian
Belgium aims to build on their recent improvements and seeks to avenge their earlier defeat to France in the UEFA Nations League. The team, managed by Domenico Tedesco, suffered a 2-0 loss to Les Bleus last month and faced potential hardship again after falling two goals behind Italy in their latest match.
Fortunately, goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Leandro Trossard leveled the game, and Italy was left struggling after a red card issued to Alessandro Bastoni. Facing France will be a tougher challenge, even with Didier Deschamps missing some of his key players. France cruised to a 4-1 victory against Israel, who are the weaker team in Group A2.
Starting Line-ups: Belgium vs. France
Belgium is grappling with injuries to several key players, notably goalkeeper Matz Sels and Kevin De Bruyne, who has opted out of the upcoming international break due to a groin issue. With De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku unavailable, the team will rely heavily on the attacking talents of Leandro Trossard and Lois Openda to threaten the French defense.
An adjustment from the Italy matchup sees Timothy Castagne stepping in for Maxim De Cuyper.
Belgium (4-3-3 formation): Casteels (GK) — Debast, Faes, Theate, Castagne — De Ketelaere, Mangala, Tielemans — Doku, Openda, Trossard
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels, Thomas Kaminski, Matz Sels
Defenders: Zeno Debast, Arthur Theatre, Wout Faes, Thomas Meunier, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Timothy Castagne
Midfielders: Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, Julien Duranville, Orel Mangala, Alexis Saelemaekers, Arthur Vermeeren
Forwards: Lois Openda, Jeremy Doku, Dodi Lukebakio, Charles De Ketelaere, Johan Bakayoko
Kylian Mbappe has been rested for recovery, while Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international duty. Christopher Nkunku, who scored upon his international return, will start on the bench, with Lucas Digne selected over Theo Hernandez in defense. Moreover, Mateo Guendouzi and Manu Kone have filled midfield positions ahead of Eduardo Camavinga and Michael Olise.
France (4-3-3 formation): Maignan (GK) — Koude, Saliba, Konate, Digne — Tchouameni, Kone, Guendouzi — Dembele, Kolo Muani, Barcola
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba
Defenders: Jonathan Clauss, Lucas Digne, Wesley Fofana, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Loic Bade
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Manu Kone, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, Christopher Nkunku, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram
Match Timing for Belgium vs. France
The UEFA Nations League match between Belgium and France is set to occur at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, on October 14 at 8:45 p.m. local time.
Here’s a time conversion for various regions worldwide:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Mon, Oct. 14 | 2:45 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Mon, Oct. 14 | 2:45 p.m. ET |
| Australia | Tues, Oct. 15 | 5:45 a.m. AEDT |
| UK | Mon, Oct. 14 | 7:45 p.m. BST |
| India | Tues, Oct. 15 | 12:15 a.m. IST |
Watching Belgium vs. France: TV and Streaming Options
Here’s how you can watch the UEFA Nations League match in selected regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | Fox Sports 2 | Fubo, ViX, Foxsports.com |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | — | ViaPlay (YouTube) |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | — | Sony LIV, JioTV |
