France produced a sensational late comeback to thrash Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League, scoring four times in the closing stages to maintain Zinedine Zidane’s unbeaten start as Les Bleus head coach.
Belgium appeared on course for a memorable away victory after Dodi Lukebakio gave the Red Devils a first-half lead. But France exploded into life after the break, with Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise spearheading an extraordinary turnaround.
The victory leaves France unbeaten under Zidane with three wins and one draw from his opening four matches, while strengthening their grip on the top spot in Nations League Group A1.
Belgium Strike First Against Dominant France
Both managers handed their goalkeepers debuts, with France starting Guillaume Restes and Belgium turning to Maarten Vandevoordt.
Restes was tested early by Romelu Lukaku, while Vandevoordt reacted quickly at the opposite end to deny Bradley Barcola.
France controlled much of the possession but struggled to turn their dominance into clear opportunities. Belgium defended with discipline, with Nicolas Raskin blocking Eduardo Camavinga before heading over from a Dodi Lukebakio delivery at the other end.
Belgium eventually broke through in the 35th minute.
Romeo Lavia produced a superb defense-splitting pass that released Lukebakio behind the French backline. The winger kept his composure and finished clinically past Restes to put Belgium 1-0 ahead.
Despite France pushing for an equalizer before half-time, Belgium’s defense held firm.
Zidane Changes the Game
Belgium continued frustrating France after the restart, with Lavia blocking Manu Koné and the visitors repeatedly closing down dangerous shooting opportunities.
Zidane decided enough was enough around the hour mark.
The France boss made a triple substitution, injecting fresh attacking energy into his team. The changes completely transformed the contest.
Michael Olise immediately became a major threat, while Rayan Cherki forced Vandevoordt into action with a curling effort.
France’s pressure intensified, and Belgium was gradually pushed deeper towards their own penalty area.
Désiré Doué Sparks Incredible France Comeback
Belgium survived wave after wave of French pressure until the 77th minute.
Lucas Da Cunha found Désiré Doué on the edge of the penalty area, and the youngster produced a composed finish into the bottom corner to finally make it France 1-1 Belgium.
The equalizer opened the floodgates.
Just three minutes later, Olise delivered a cutback into Cherki’s path. The attacking midfielder fired towards goal, and although Vandevoordt got a hand to it, he couldn’t prevent France from completing the turnaround.
From trailing 1-0, Les Bleus suddenly led 2-1.
Michael Olise Finishes Belgium Off
Belgium had barely recovered before France struck again.
Olise, influential since coming on, poked home to make it 3-1 and effectively end Belgium’s hopes of rescuing the match.
But France wasn’t finished.
Doué’s brilliant attacking work created another chance for Olise, who converted again to complete the stunning 4-1 victory.
Four French goals in a devastating late spell transformed what had looked like a frustrating evening into an emphatic statement from Zidane’s side.
France 4-1 Belgium: What the Result Means
The scoreline tells only part of the story.
Belgium had led for more than 40 minutes and looked capable of becoming the first team to defeat France under Zidane. Instead, Les Bleus showed their attacking depth and ability to change a game from the bench.
Doué provided the spark, Cherki completed the turnaround and Olise delivered the finishing touches.
The result keeps France unbeaten under Zidane and moves them three points clear of Italy in UEFA Nations League Group A1.
Belgium, meanwhile, remains third and will be frustrated by how dramatically their disciplined performance unraveled during the closing stages.
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Final Verdict
France 4-1 Belgium was a remarkable demonstration of how quickly international football can change.
Belgium executed their plan effectively for much of the contest and deservedly led through Lukebakio, but Zidane’s substitutions completely altered the momentum.
Doué, Cherki and especially Olise brought the creativity and cutting edge France had lacked earlier in the match.
For Kenyan fans following the Nations League, France is increasingly becoming one of the teams to watch. Four games into the Zidane era, Les Bleus remain unbeaten — and a devastating four-goal late comeback suggests their new chapter is gathering serious momentum.
