Key Takeaways:
- Michael Olise scored in the 88th minute, sealing a 1-0 triumph for France over Belgium
- France dominated in almost every aspect of the game, including ball possesion, shots, shots on target, and corner kicks
- France extended their unbeaten streak against Belgium to six matches, while Belgium’s own six-match home unbeaten run ended
Match Overview
France claimed a 1-0 victory against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League as substitute Michael Olise struck a decisive late goal in the 88th minute. The win allowed Les Bleus to continue their dominance in recent encounters with the Red Devils, making it six successive wins in this fixture and positioning France as the sole leader in Group A1 after two matches.
The contest began with delays as players were briefly kept in the tunnel. Once underway, Belgium were quick off the mark, with Brandon Mechele’s early header blocked inside two minutes.
VICTOIRE DE NOS BLEUS EN BELGIQUE 🔥🤩
🇧🇪0-1🇫🇷 l #BELFRA pic.twitter.com/LGprWaMC42
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) September 28, 2026
First-Half Analysis
French debutant Lucas Da Cunha helped his side gain further composure, while Desire Doue provided a creative spark, dazzling his way into the penalty area and rattling the bar with a powerful effort. Doue then set up Esteban Lepaul but the forward, starting for the first time, fired directly at Senne Lammens.
The Belgians responded with attacking intent of their own. Kevin De Bruyne attempted a speculative strike from near halfway, while France’s Eduardo Camavinga also saw a shot blocked. Approaching the half-hour, Lammens made a double save from Maghnes Akliouche’s free-kick and Lepaul’s follow-up, before Romeo Lavia produced a vital clearance to deny Pierre Kalulu.
Further opportunities for Mika Godts and De Bruyne were sent wide as both teams ended a lively first half with a combined 14 shots but no goals.
Second-Half Drama and Olise’s Winner
France came out with continued attacking drive after the interval. Doue curled a shot narrowly wide before Da Cunha unleashed a fierce shot from distance, only to see it strike the post. Youri Tielemans was on hand to block another effort from Akliouche, and Lepaul sent his rebound off target after Doue forced another save.
A series of attempts from Doue and substitute Diego Moreira were repelled, before Belgian substitute Dodi Lukebakio twice broke into the French box, only to be denied by Mike Maignan. Tielemans also tried his luck with a bold long-range effort but missed the target.
In the closing stages, Lukebakio threatened again but was met by Maignan, while Maxence Lacroix produced a key block to thwart Charles De Ketelaere. As the match approached its conclusion, Olise seized the moment, gliding beyond defenders to slot calmly into the bottom corner and secure three points for the visitors.
