France edge Belgium in Nations League thriller
Reviewed by Elison · Mon 28 Sep 2026UEFA Nations League · League A
BelgiumFULL-TIME
FranceMonday 28 September 2026 · 20:45
Our score 1-2MissedHot tip France to win✓ Won
France claimed a narrow but deserved 1-0 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League, with Michael Olise’s late strike proving the difference between the two sides. The win underlines France’s dominance in the contest, a result that will carry significant weight in the Nations League standings.
How the Game Unfolded
Diego Moreira was booked in the 42nd minute, becoming the first Belgium player cautioned on an afternoon that would see three yellow cards shown to the hosts. Kevin De Bruyne picked up the second in the 57th minute, and Youri Tielemans was booked in the 66th minute.
France made a double change in the 77th minute, withdrawing Bradley Barcola and Maghnes Akliouche and introducing Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki. The move proved decisive: in the 88th minute, Michael Olise broke the deadlock, finishing with an assist from Rayan Cherki to make it 1-0 and settle the contest.
Belgium could not find a response, and France held on for a 1-0 win — their only goal of the match arriving from a substitute with barely two minutes of normal time remaining.
The Numbers
The statistics paint a clear picture of French supremacy. France dominated possession with 65% to Belgium’s 35%, and that territorial advantage translated into a far more threatening attacking display. France registered 18 shots in total compared to Belgium’s 12, with 7 of those efforts on target against just 2 for the hosts. France also created significantly more danger from inside the box, recording 12 shots from close range to Belgium’s 7.
France earned six corner kicks to Belgium’s two, another indicator of their sustained pressure throughout the contest. Belgium’s goalkeeper was kept busy, making five saves over the course of the match, while France’s goalkeeper was called upon just twice — a telling reflection of where the game was largely played.
In terms of discipline, Belgium collected three yellow cards with none for France, who also committed fewer fouls — nine to Belgium’s twelve. Neither side was reduced to ten men, with no red cards shown to either team.
Conclusion
Belgium will be frustrated by the manner of the defeat, conceding so late after holding firm for the majority of the contest. France, however, were worthy winners — their dominance in possession, territory and chances created ultimately told through Olise’s late intervention. On this evidence, France look well-placed to make their mark in this Nations League campaign.
