France vs. Belgium: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Neither of these sides are on particularly good form so this one is tough to predict. Belgium have drawn three of their last four games away from home and when they faced off against France in Germany the game was a razor-tight encounter.

Belgium are, though, missing a few quality players here, and with France likely to bring back a number of regular starters following a defeat to Italy the balance could be tipped in their favour here.

France have won all of their last three head-to-head meetings with Belgium, and we think that trend is set to continue on Monday night. France 2-1 Belgium.

This Monday, France and Belgium face off in the UEFA Nations League with both teams keen to put early setbacks behind them and build some much-needed momentum.

• Date: 09/08/2024
• Kick-off time: 19:45
• Location: Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon

France's recent form has been unconvincing, and their 2024 UEFA Nations League campaign has started in unconvincing fashion. Currently sitting at the bottom of League A, Group 2, Didier Deschamps’ side are without a point after their opening game. Their Nations League come in light of a bitter Euro 2024 campaign, where Les Bleus were dumped out of the competition by Spain in the semi-finals. While the overall performance of the French in the tournament was respectable, at least in parts, falling short of reaching the final has left a lingering sense of underachievement for a team that's become accustomed to success.

The pressure is starting to mount on Deschamps, who has been in charge of the national team for well over a decade now. After leading France to a World Cup triumph in 2018, expectations for a national team loaded with talent remain high, but recent performances have led to accusations that Deschamps’ tenure is running stale. His recent contract extension, which keeps him in charge until 2026, raised some eyebrows, with a growing segment of fans and pundits wondering if a change of leadership is needed to rejuvenate the side.

Deschamps, however, remains determined to win on the international stage with France once again and he's shown a clear intention to rejuvenate the squad, bringing some fresh faces into the fold. One such addition is Michael Olise, the exciting winger who made a promising debut against Italy in France’s previous outing. Olise impressed with his pace, creativity, and willingness to take on defenders, and with such a deep and well-rounded skill set he could well prove to be a difference-maker going forward.

France should have no issue regrouping after their Euro 2024 exit - they've plenty of experience in coming back from soul-crushing defeats - but there is a danger that they're slowly sleepwalking into somewhat of a rut. A strong performance against Belgium is not only essential to reviving their Nations League campaign but also crucial in restoring winning momentum within the squad and among the fanbase. While the Nations League itself is a tournament of disputed importance, another defeat could deepen the sense of malaise surrounding the team.

Belgium, meanwhile, come into this match sitting second in the group with three points from their opening game. Despite claiming a win last time out, the Red Devils are still in the process of recovering from a hugely disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. Their last-16 exit at the hands of France marked the end of another underwhelming tournament for a team that has repeatedly failed to deliver on its promise in major competitions.

Belgium’s so-called "Golden Generation," which has been the backbone of the national team for much of the past decade, is several years into a stark decline. Key players such as Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens are no longer involved in the setup, Kevin De Bruyne is not getting any younger and Romelu Lukaku is no longer the force he once was, and there is a growing sense that Belgium must now look to the future and rebuild around younger talents. This process of renewal is being overseen by manager Domenico Tedesco, who has been in charge of the national team for a year now.

Tedesco’s task is a difficult one. While Belgium still possess a number of high-quality players, they lack the depth and standout talent that characterised the peak of their Golden Generation. One of Tedesco’s most important jobs is to bring through the next generation of Belgian talent, and the recent debuts of 18-year-old winger Jalen Duranville and 20-year-old defender Arne Engels highlight the shift towards youth that is clearly being prioritised. Duranville, in particular, has been earmarked as a potential star for the future, and his debut against Israel last week was a scattered display of raw potential.

However, Belgian fans remain cautious. The team’s failure to capitalise on their wealth of talent in recent tournaments has left many supporters disillusioned, and Tedesco will need more than just youth development to win back their trust. A win over France, their conquerors in the summer, would go a long way towards restoring belief that this Belgium team can still compete with the best in Europe, even as they transition away from the familiar faces of the past decade.

This game will be aired live on Viaplay International's YouTube channel.

France Team News:

Michael Olise will feel like he did enough to keep his place in the XI, but there could be some chances to the defence.

Dayot Upamecano could come into the starting lineup to partner William Saliba at centre-back, while Joules Koundé should reclaim his spot at right-back.

Predicted lineup: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Kanté, Zaïre-Emery; Olise, Dembélé, Barcola; Mbappé.

Belgium Team News:

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku was not called into this squad amidst a transfer to Napoli while Thibaut Courtois wants no part of the national team setup under Tedesco, citing a personal feud with the Italian.

Belgium aren't likely to make many changes to the side that took to the field from the start last time out.

Predicted lineup: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Bakayoko, De Bruyne, Doku; Openda.

France took on Italy in their Nations League opener and the game started in perfect fashion from a French perspective as Bradley Barcola stole the ball from the toes of an Italian defender to rush through on goal and cooly slot home in the 1st minute.

However, that's about as good as it got for France, who went on to be firmly outclassed by the Italians. Federico Dimarco scored an exquisite equaliser midway through the first half while second half goals from Davide Frattesi and Giacamo Raspadori sealed an impressive 3-1 win for the visitors.

That game followed a 2-1 loss to Italy in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, a penalty shootout win over Portugal following a 0-0 draw, a 1-0 win over Belgium and a 1-1 draw with Poland.

Belgium's Nations League campaign kicked off with a 3-1 win over Israel. The game was played behind closed doors due to security fears, and Belgium started well with Kevin De Bruyne opening the scoring after 21 minutes.

Israel equalised not long after through a Timothy Castagne own goal, but second half goals from Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne sealed the three points in what was a positive performance.

That result followed a 1-0 loss to France, a 0-0 draw with Ukraine, a 2-0 win over Romania and a 0-1 defeat to Slovakia.

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