Paris Saint-Germain’s summer signing Mika Godts returns to the centre of attention on Friday night as Belgium look to steady themselves in the Nations League. Belgium host Turkey at 20:45 in the third round of fixtures, seeking a response after France left with a 1-0 win on Belgian soil on Monday.
The defeat interrupted a more promising start for Belgium, who had opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory away to Italy. Godts, the forward signed by PSG for €55 million during the summer, made a strong early impression in that win by scoring his first senior international goal.
His importance has grown with Jérémy Doku unavailable through injury and Leandro Trossard sidelined by bone oedema. Belgium’s coach has found a way to make use of the young Paris attacker, whose first international contribution arrived at a valuable moment for a side trying to navigate a particularly demanding group.
Turkey arrive still searching for a point
Turkey sit bottom of what has been described as the group of death, without a point from their first two matches. Their recent run has extended the disappointment that followed their underwhelming group-stage exit from the World Cup.
They competed closely with France despite losing 1-0, but were then heavily beaten 4-1 by Roberto Mancini’s Italy. Friday’s trip to Belgium offers a chance to reset, and Turkey may take some encouragement from their away record: their last defeat on the road came in November 2024, when Montenegro won 3-1.
For Belgium, however, the task is clear. After losing narrowly to France, they must turn their brighter display in Italy and the emergence of Godts into another home result before the Nations League group begins to tighten.
