Belgium hosts France in Brussels in the UEFA Nations League. Read the kickoff time, team news, form, players to watch, and prediction.
Belgium host France at King Baudouin Stadium in an early UEFA Nations League Group A1 test. Mark van Bommel’s side opened with a 2-0 win in Italy, while Zinédine Zidane began his France reign by beating Turkiye.
Both have three points. Belgium lead on goal difference, but France have dominated recent meetings. Les Bleus must cope without Kylian Mbappé, who injured his left knee after scoring in Kocaeli.
Belgium vs France match details
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League, League A, Group A1 |
| Date | Monday, 28 September 2026 |
| Kickoff | 9:45 p.m. EAT |
| Venue | King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels |
| Referee | Rade Obrenovič |
Form and Group A1 context
Belgium produced the more convincing opener. Mika Godts scored his first international goal before substitute Dodi Lukebakio completed the 2-0 win. Kevin De Bruyne assisted, while Senne Lammens preserved the clean sheet.
France were less dominant in Türkiye. Mbappé scored after 54 minutes before departing, and Zidane’s team protected the lead.
Italy and Türkiye complete Group A1. Victory would give either team six points and early control.
Belgium vs France team news
Belgium are without Thibaut Courtois, who is sitting out the Nations League campaign. Injured Jérémy Doku and Amadou Onana are also unavailable. Lammens should continue in goal.
Godts should retain his place, while De Bruyne remains Belgium’s main creator. Youri Tielemans and Nicolas Raskin provide balance. Charles De Ketelaere may lead the attack ahead of Romelu Lukaku.
Mbappé returned to Madrid after hyperextending his knee. Désiré Doué could join Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise in attack, with Eduardo Camavinga pushing for a midfield start.
Predicted line-ups
Belgium: Lammens; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Raskin; Moreira, De Bruyne, Godts; De Ketelaere.
France: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert; Camavinga, Koné, Rabiot; Olise, Dembélé, Doué.
These line-ups remain projections until confirmed.
Head-to-head record
UEFA records 30 Belgium wins, 29 for France and 19 draws, but recent meetings favour Les Bleus.
| Date | Match | Result |
| October 2024 | Belgium vs France | 1-2 |
| September 2024 | France vs Belgium | 2-0 |
| July 2024 | France vs Belgium | 1-0 |
| October 2021 | Belgium vs France | 2-3 |
| July 2018 | France vs Belgium | 1-0 |
France won the last five encounters. The French Football Federation’s match history confirms their recent superiority.
Players to watch
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne controls Belgium’s attacking rhythm. His passing can release the wide players, while his set-piece delivery should test France’s reorganised defence.
Ousmane Dembélé
Without Mbappé, Dembélé carries greater creative and scoring responsibility. His movement and two-footed ability can unsettle Belgium’s centre-backs.
Mika Godts
Godts arrives confidently after scoring in Rome. His direct running from the left could create a decisive duel with Jules Koundé.
Tactical outlook
Belgium will use De Bruyne’s early passes to attack behind France’s full-backs. Van Bommel must still respect the speed of Dembélé, Doué and Olise.
France may control possession but must replace Mbappé’s running and finishing. Camavinga can help them beat Belgium’s press, while Rabiot offers late runs.
The opening goal is crucial because either team can defend compactly and counter from a lead.
Belgium vs France prediction
Belgium’s confidence and home advantage make them difficult opponents. France won five consecutive meetings, but Mbappé’s absence removes their most reliable match-winner.
Both sides can score, although neither coach should take excessive risks. Belgium can compete in midfield, while France retain greater attacking depth.
Prediction: Belgium 1-1 France.
Alternative match outlook: Both teams to score and under 3.5 total goals. These are editorial predictions, not guaranteed outcomes.
What Ugandan supporters should know?
The 9:45 p.m. EAT kickoff places Belgium versus France within a convenient Monday-night viewing window for Ugandan football supporters. Fans gathering at homes, sports bars and viewing centres across Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja, Mbarara and other towns will recognise several players they follow regularly in European club football.
Kevin De Bruyne remains a major attraction for Belgium, while Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga and Michael Olise give France familiar quality despite Kylian Mbappé’s absence.
The match also offers Ugandan coaches and young players an opportunity to observe elite midfield organisation, pressing and counterattacking. Belgium’s quick transitions will test France’s defensive structure, while Les Bleus must demonstrate that their squad can produce goals without their captain.
With both countries starting Group A1 with victories, the contest should generate strong local interest and a lively atmosphere at Ugandan viewing venues.
Explore the match on Bangbet
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Frequently asked questions
What time is Belgium vs France in Uganda?
Kickoff is 9:45 p.m. EAT on Monday, 28 September 2026.
Where will Belgium vs France be played?
King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels hosts the Group A1 match.
Is Kylian Mbappé available?
No. Mbappé left the France squad after suffering a left-knee injury against Türkiye.
Who leads Group A1?
Belgium leads France on goal difference after both collected three points in their opening matches.
What is the predicted score?
The prediction is Belgium 1-1 France, reflecting Belgium’s home form and France’s strong head-to-head record.
Conclusion
Belgium’s pace, home support and Rome performance should test France, especially without Mbappé. However, France’s depth and five-match winning run in this rivalry make them difficult to oppose. A draw is the balanced forecast.