Kevin De Bruyne produced a decisive two-goal performance as Belgium defeated Turkey 3-0 in the UEFA Nations League at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Liège on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Belgian captain opened the scoring in the 10th minute before producing an excellent long-range second after the interval. Substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the win in the 76th minute as Belgium took their second win from three Group A1 matches.
The result moved Belgium onto six points, just one behind leaders France, while Turkey remain bottom of the group without a point after three matches.
Belgium vs Turkey Match Details
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League – League A, Group A1 |
| Match | Belgium 3-0 Turkey |
| Date | October 2, 2026 |
| Venue | Maurice Dufrasne Stadium, Liège |
| Belgium scorers | Kevin De Bruyne 10′, 60′; Romelu Lukaku 76′ |
| Belgium points | 6 |
| Turkey points | 0 |
Belgium entered the match looking for a response after losing 1-0 to France in their previous Nations League fixture.
Turkey faced even greater pressure. They had yet to collect a point in Group A1 and needed a positive result in Belgium to revive their campaign.
De Bruyne Gives Belgium the Perfect Start
Belgium required only 10 minutes to make the breakthrough.
De Bruyne combined effectively with Dodi Lukebakio before receiving the return ball near the edge of the penalty area and finishing to put the hosts ahead.
Despite conceding early, Turkey did not immediately lose control of the contest.
Arda Guler emerged as one of their most influential attacking players. His movement and creativity helped Turkey find openings, while Merih Demiral had an opportunity to bring the visitors level.
Guler also tested Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens as Turkey searched for an equaliser.
Belgium remained dangerous at the opposite end. Lukebakio came particularly close to doubling their advantage when his effort was pushed onto the woodwork by Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.
The hosts therefore entered half-time with a 1-0 advantage, but the match remained open.
Turkey Threaten but Belgium Stay Ahead
Turkey continued to push after the interval rather than simply protecting against a heavier defeat.
Yunus Akgun forced Lammens into action, while Guler continued trying to create opportunities around Belgium’s penalty area.
However, Turkey’s inability to convert their promising moments eventually became costly.
Belgium also continued creating chances, with Lukebakio again striking the frame of the goal.
The difference between the teams increasingly became Belgium’s ability to turn opportunities into goals.
De Bruyne Strikes Again
The decisive second goal arrived around the hour mark.
Youri Tielemans helped Belgium regain possession before the ball reached De Bruyne outside the Turkey penalty area.
The midfielder produced a superb curling finish beyond Cakir and into the top corner.
It was a goal that gave Belgium breathing room after Turkey had remained competitive for significant periods of the contest.
De Bruyne’s second also demonstrated why he remains such an important figure for Belgium. The midfielder did not need a clear chance inside the six-yard area; his technical quality allowed him to change the match from distance.
With Belgium leading 2-0, Turkey faced an increasingly difficult route back into the contest.
Lukaku Comes Off the Bench to Score
Belgium then introduced another of their most experienced players.
Romelu Lukaku replaced Lukebakio during the second half and quickly provided Belgium with a different attacking presence.
His opportunity arrived in the 76th minute.
Charles De Ketelaere delivered the ball into the penalty area, and Lukaku converted from close range to make it 3-0.
The third goal effectively ended Turkey’s hopes of recovering anything from the match.
Belgium were then able to manage the closing stages and secure three important Nations League points.
Arda Guler: A Bright Spot for Turkey
The final scoreline was comfortable for Belgium, but it did not tell the entire story of Turkey’s attacking performance.
Guler remained one of the visitors’ biggest threats and created several opportunities for his teammates.
According to beIN Sports, Guler created a match-high five chances.
Turkey’s problem was finishing those opportunities. Belgium, by contrast, possessed the individual quality required to punish their opponents when chances appeared.
De Bruyne was the clearest example. His two goals came from relatively difficult shooting positions, yet his finishing transformed the direction of the contest.
That efficiency helped turn a competitive match into a convincing 3-0 victory.
What the Result Means for Group A1
Belgium’s victory has kept the battle at the top of Nations League Group A1 competitive.
France remain leaders after drawing 1-1 with Italy, but Belgium are now only one point behind them.
| Position | Team | Played | Points |
| 1 | France | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | Belgium | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | Italy | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | Turkey | 3 | 0 |
Italy are also still within reach of the leading two teams after collecting four points from their opening three matches.
Turkey face a much more difficult situation. Three matches have produced three defeats and no points, increasing the importance of their remaining Nations League fixtures.
What Belgium vs Turkey Means for Ugandan Supporters
For Ugandan football supporters, Belgium’s victory featured several familiar names who are regularly followed through European club football.
De Bruyne remains one of the most recognisable midfielders of his generation, and his two goals provided another opportunity for Ugandan fans to watch his creativity and long-range finishing on the international stage.
Lukaku also remains a major attraction whenever Belgium play. Coming from the bench and scoring demonstrated that Belgium still have significant experience and attacking depth available.
Turkey also have players worth following despite the defeat. Guler’s creativity was one of the strongest aspects of their performance and showed why he continues to attract attention beyond international football.
More importantly, Belgium’s victory keeps Group A1 open.
France have seven points, Belgium six and Italy four, meaning upcoming matches could significantly change the standings. For supporters in Uganda following the Nations League, there remains plenty at stake as the competition moves deeper into the group stage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Belgium vs Turkey score?
Belgium defeated Turkey 3-0 in their UEFA Nations League Group A1 match on October 2, 2026.
Who scored for Belgium against Turkey?
Kevin De Bruyne scored twice, in the 10th and 60th minutes, before substitute Romelu Lukaku added Belgium’s third goal in the 76th minute.
Did Romelu Lukaku start against Turkey?
No. Lukaku started on the bench before entering during the second half and scoring Belgium’s third goal.
How did Kevin De Bruyne perform against Turkey?
De Bruyne was Belgium’s decisive attacking player. He scored twice, including an impressive curling effort from outside the penalty area for his second goal.
How did Arda Guler perform for Turkey?
Guler was one of Turkey’s main creative threats. Despite the defeat, he created five chances as Turkey attempted to find a route back into the match.
Where are Belgium in the Nations League group?
Belgium are second in Group A1 with six points from three matches. France lead with seven points, Italy have four and Turkey remain without a point.
What does the defeat mean for Turkey?
Turkey remain bottom of Group A1 after failing to collect a point from their opening three fixtures. Their remaining matches have therefore become increasingly important if they are to improve their position.
Conclusion
Belgium’s 3-0 victory over Turkey ultimately came down to superior finishing and the quality of their experienced attacking players.
Turkey created opportunities, and Guler provided a creative threat, but Belgium were far more effective when their chances arrived. De Bruyne’s two excellent finishes put the hosts firmly in control before Lukaku came from the bench to complete the scoring.
For Belgium, the victory moves them within one point of France and keeps the battle for Group A1 wide open. Turkey, meanwhile, must regroup after a third successive defeat left them searching for their first points of the Nations League campaign.
