Belgium 3-0 Turkey was the result in Liège on Friday night, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring twice and Romelu Lukaku adding a third as Belgium moved to within one point of Group A1 leaders France. Turkey created chances but have now lost all three of their Nations League games, leaving them bottom of the group without a point.
The win sets up a massive top-of-the-table meeting with France in Paris on Monday, while Turkey travel to Italy needing a response.
Belgium 3-0 Turkey: key facts
- Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A, Group A1 (Matchday 3)
- Date: Friday 2 October 2026
- Kick-off: 21:45 EAT
- Venue: Stade Maurice Dufrasne, Liège
- Goals: De Bruyne 10′, De Bruyne (second half), Lukaku (second half)
- Group A1 after three games: France 7 pts, Belgium 6, Italy 4, Turkey 0
How the Belgium vs Turkey match was won
De Bruyne strikes early
Belgium did not wait long to take control. In the tenth minute De Bruyne exchanged passes with Dodi Lukebakio on the edge of the area and found space to finish neatly into the bottom corner. It was the perfect start for a home side who had been beaten by France earlier in the window and needed a strong reaction.
Turkey were far from overwhelmed in the first half. Arda Guler was their brightest player, driving forward at every opportunity, and the visitors had headed chances from set pieces that on another night might have brought them level. The problem, as it has been throughout this campaign, was the final touch.
A moment of class doubles the lead
The game was settled in the second half by a goal only a few players in world football would attempt. De Bruyne picked up the ball outside the box and curled a beautiful effort into the top corner, beyond the reach of Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. At this stage of his career he remains Belgium’s most important player, and nights like this show why.
Belgium could have had more. Lukebakio hit the woodwork twice, and the hosts looked dangerous every time they broke into space behind the Turkish midfield.
Lukaku seals it
The third goal arrived late on when Lukaku finished from close range following a low cross. It was a typical poacher’s goal from Belgium’s record scorer and capped a comfortable evening for the home side.
Speaking after the game, Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans described the match as open, saying Turkey had left plenty of space in midfield, but he felt Belgium could have made better decisions in the final third and scored even more.
What it means for the group
Belgium bounced back from their home defeat to France in the best possible way. They now sit on six points, one behind France, and a win in Paris on Monday would take them top of Group A1. Italy’s 1-1 draw with France on the same night also helped Belgium, keeping the leaders within reach.
For Turkey, the situation is becoming serious. Three defeats from three, against France, Italy and now Belgium, leaves them adrift at the bottom. They have shown enough going forward to suggest they can compete, but the defensive errors and missed chances are costing them. It has also been reported that Arda Guler and Baris Alper Yilmaz picked up bookings that rule them out of the next match, which would be a big blow.
Three takeaways
- De Bruyne still decides big games: two goals of very different styles, one composed and one spectacular.
- Lukebakio is a constant threat: involved in the opener and unlucky not to score himself after striking the frame twice.
- Turkey need a defensive fix: they have created chances in every game but keep conceding at important moments.
What comes next
Both teams play again on Monday 5 October, with kick-off at 21:45 EAT. Belgium travel to face France, who drew 1-1 with Italy on Friday, and Turkey visit Italy. Read our full France 1-1 Italy report, look back at how France beat Belgium in the first meeting, and check the latest tips on our predictions page.
The full Group A1 table and fixtures are on the official UEFA Nations League website.
FAQs
What was the Belgium vs Turkey score?
Belgium beat Turkey 3-0 in Liège on Friday 2 October 2026 in the UEFA Nations League.
Who scored for Belgium against Turkey?
Kevin De Bruyne scored twice, including the opener in the 10th minute, and Romelu Lukaku added the third.
Where are Turkey in the Nations League table?
Turkey are bottom of Group A1 with no points after losing to France, Italy and Belgium.
When do Belgium play France?
Belgium face France in Paris on Monday 5 October 2026, with kick-off at 21:45 EAT.
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