Two longtime adversaries will face off again on Monday evening as France welcomes Belgium for their second UEFA Nations League match. Didier Deschamps led France to victory in the 2021 Nations League finals, but his team finished third in their group last time, earning just five points from six matches.
With UEFA’s new 2024-25 format, the last-place team in each League A group will be relegated, and third-placed teams will face a relegation playoff. Following a disappointing performance at Euro 2024, French coach Deschamps is under pressure to deliver a strong performance in front of the Parisian crowd to avoid further setbacks against another neighboring team.
France vs Belgium: Team Form and Head-to-Head
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Despite France taking an early lead against Italy on Friday night, they lost as the Azzurri made a strong comeback. Bradley Barcola scored the fastest-ever goal for France, but Italy equalized spectacularly. And France ultimately conceded two more goals in the second half, suffering a loss at home to Italy for the first time in 70 years.
Les Bleus, having lost their opening game at home to Italy in Group 2, will look to recover from that setback, while the Red Devils secured a win against Israel ahead of their trip to Lyon.
Only the top two teams in Group 2 will advance to the quarter-finals, so France cannot afford to fall further behind their main rivals. Belgium, joining Italy at the top of Group 2, won their opening match against Israel with a 3-1 victory in Hungary, thanks to a brace from captain Kevin De Bruyne and a goal from Youri Tielemans.
Belgium, led by Domenico Tedesco, seeks redemption for their recent Euro 2024 exit at the hands of France and aims to secure a top-two finish in their Nations League group, with an eye on the 2026 World Cup. Their best Nations League performance was fourth place in 2021.
Team News
French coach Deschamps introduced his new faces, such as Michael Olise, who shone at the Olympics, and Bradley Barcola, who made an impact against Italy. However, Adrien Rabiot and Benjamin Pavard were left out of the squad. After conceding three goals, Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano could be in line for a starting spot, while Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani are options for attack.
Belgium will be without Romelu Lukaku, who is resting, and veteran defender Jan Vertonghen, who has retired from international football. Leandro Trossard was not selected, giving younger players like Maxim De Cuyper, Arne Engels, and Julien Duranville a chance to shine. With Lukaku absent, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku will support Lois Openda as the lone striker.
France vs Belgium: Possible Starting Lineups
France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Konate, T. Hernandez; Kante, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Griezmann, Barcola; Mbappe
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Bakayoko, De Bruyne, Doku; Openda
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