Brussels hosts the first major test of Mark van Bommel’s Belgium reign on Monday, when France arrive at the King Baudouin Stadium with both nations carrying opening-day victories into Nations League Group A1.
Belgium began the 2026/27 campaign with a 2-0 win away to Italy at Rome’s Olympic Stadium, while France edged Turkey 1-0. The meeting in the Belgian capital comes as the group’s other two sides, Turkey and Italy, play in Bursa at the same time.
Quick facts
- Match: Belgium v France, UEFA Nations League Group A1, second round
- Date: 28 September 2026
- Venue: King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels
- Kick-off: 15:45 Brasília time
- Referee: Rade Obrenovič of Slovenia
- Belgium won 2-0 in Italy in their opening match; France beat Turkey 1-0
- France will be without Kylian Mbappé after a left-knee injury
For Van Bommel, this is his first home fixture in charge of the national side. Belgium must do without Leandro Trossard, with Godts expected to take the left-sided attacking role and Ngoy likely to partner Mechele at centre-back.
The Belgian coach has made intensity and willingness to work central themes since taking over. He said that focus must remain intact against a technically gifted opponent, adding that being beaten in an individual moment is acceptable only when every player understands his responsibility.
France travel without Mbappé, whose left-knee problem suffered during the Turkey win has forced him out of the squad. Doué is expected to join Dembélé and Olise in the front three, although Zinédine Zidane has indicated that further adjustments are likely.
Zidane said France had anticipated four matches in a compressed period and would make a limited rotation. The priority, he said, is for the group to develop a better understanding of one another.
The probable Belgium side is Lammens; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Raskin, De Bruyne; Diego Moreira, Godts, De Ketelaere.
France are expected to start Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert; Koné, Rabiot, Cherki; Dembélé, Olise, Doué.
This is the fifth edition of the Nations League, with the 2026/27 version featuring an extended international window across September and October. Its results also affect routes towards Euro 2028 in England and the Republic of Ireland, as well as the European qualifying play-offs for the 2030 World Cup.
The group stage continues until 17 November. Quarter-finals are scheduled for 25 to 30 March 2027, with the final stage set for the week beginning 9 June 2027.
