France beat Belgium 1-0 in Brussels on Monday night, with substitute Michael Olise curling in the only goal two minutes from time. The win keeps Zinedine Zidane perfect as France coach, two games and two victories, and sends Les Bleus three points clear at the top of Nations League Group A1. Belgium were second best for long spells and could have lost by more.
If you are searching for the Belgium vs France result, here it is in one line: Belgium 0-1 France, Olise 88′. Below we break down how the game was won, what it means for the group, and what comes next for both sides.
Belgium vs France Result: Key Facts
- Final score: Belgium 0-1 France
- Scorer: Michael Olise (88′), assisted by Rayan Cherki
- Date: Monday, 28 September 2026
- Kick-off: 21:45 EAT
- Venue: King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels
- Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A, Group A1, Matchday 2
- Coaches: Mark van Bommel (Belgium), Zinedine Zidane (France)
- Group A1 after two games: France 6 points, Belgium 3, Italy 3, Turkey 0
How France Won in Brussels
France went into this one without Kylian Mbappe, who injured his knee in the 1-0 opening win over Turkey and has been ruled out of the rest of this international window. Zidane also used the game to look at new faces. Lucas Da Cunha, Andy Diouf and Jeremy Jacquet all made their first starts for France, the first time the national team had handed debuts as starters to three players in one match since August 2010.
The inexperience did not show. France controlled the ball, pinned Belgium back and created the better chances from the start. Desire Doue was the most dangerous player on the pitch in the first half and struck the crossbar inside the opening quarter of an hour. Da Cunha then hit the post shortly after the break. France finished with 18 shots, seven of them on target.
Belgium barely threatened. Their first effort on target did not arrive until the 73rd minute, which tells you how little the home side saw of the ball in dangerous areas. The reason the score stayed level for so long was goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who made a series of important saves and kept Belgium in the contest until the very end.
Olise Makes the Difference Off the Bench
Zidane’s changes won the game. Olise came on in the second half and needed only 11 minutes to decide it. Fellow substitute Rayan Cherki found him, and Olise curled a low, precise finish into the corner past Lammens with 88 minutes on the clock. It was the kind of moment France had been threatening all night, and it arrived from two players who started on the bench.
For bettors who backed a France win or a low-scoring game, it was a nervy but rewarding evening. Anyone who took the draw will feel hard done by, but on the balance of play France deserved all three points.
What the Result Means for Group A1
Across the group on the same night, Italy thrashed Turkey 4-1 in Bursa. That leaves the table looking like this after two rounds:
- France: 6 points (W2)
- Belgium: 3 points (W1, L1)
- Italy: 3 points (W1, L1)
- Turkey: 0 points (L2)
France are now in a strong position, with a three-point cushion and their next two matches both at home at the Stade de France. Belgium, who opened with a 2-0 win away to Italy in Rome, must now respond quickly to stay in touch at the top.
Talking Points From Belgium vs France
Zidane’s squad depth is a warning to the rest of Europe
France started three debutants, had no Mbappe and still dominated away from home against one of the stronger sides in League A. The quality coming off the bench, Olise and Cherki, is a sign of how deep this French pool is. The new coach is building depth quickly.
Belgium’s attack needs answers
Van Bommel’s side struggled to carry the ball forward, and one shot on target in over 70 minutes is not good enough at home. They scored twice in Rome, so the attacking tools are there, but this was a flat display.
Lammens kept it respectable
The Belgium goalkeeper was the home side’s best performer. Without his saves, the scoreline could have been two or three. It is a positive for Belgium heading into a difficult trip to Paris next week.
What Is Next for France and Belgium?
France host Italy at the Stade de France on Friday, 2 October 2026, with kick-off at 21:45 EAT. It is a big test for Zidane’s side against an Italy team that looked transformed in Bursa. France then face Belgium again in the reverse fixture on Monday, 5 October.
Belgium host Turkey in Liege on Friday, 2 October, a match they will view as a must-win before the return trip to Paris. Check our football predictions page for tips as these fixtures approach, and read our pre-match Belgium vs France prediction to see how the game played out against expectations. For the other result in the group, see our preview of Turkey vs Italy. Official fixtures and standings are available on the UEFA Nations League website.
Belgium vs France Result: FAQs
What was the Belgium vs France score?
France won 1-0 in Brussels on 28 September 2026. Michael Olise scored the only goal in the 88th minute.
Who scored for France against Belgium?
Substitute Michael Olise scored the winner, curling a finish past Senne Lammens after a pass from fellow substitute Rayan Cherki.
Why did Kylian Mbappe not play for France against Belgium?
Mbappe suffered a knee injury in France’s 1-0 win over Turkey and was ruled out of the rest of the international window.
When do France play Belgium again?
The reverse fixture is scheduled for Monday, 5 October 2026, at the Stade de France. Before that, France host Italy on Friday, 2 October.
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