Belgium hosts France on Monday in a key Nations League clash in League A Group 2. Belgium currently sits third in the group with four points, following a 2-2 draw against leaders Italy.
A win over France would boost them up the standings and keep their hopes of advancing alive. However, their recent defensive struggles — conceding in their last four matches — could be a concern against a strong French attack.
France, second in the group with two wins and a loss, defeated Belgium 2-0 in their previous meeting. Another win for Didier Deschamps' men would widen the gap and put a dent in Belgium's chances.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Belgium vs. France live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this UEFA Nations League match in Canada:
TV channel: —
Live stream: DAZN
Unfortunately, this game is not available for live TV Broadcast for viewers in Canada. Streaming options are available on DAZN.
What time does Belgium vs. France kick off?
This UEFA Nations League clash takes place at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, and kicks off on Monday, October 14 at 8:45 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across Canada:
Date | Kickoff time | |
Atlantic Time | Mon, Oct. 14 | 3:45 p.m. |
Eastern Time | Mon, Oct. 14 | 2:45 p.m. |
Central Time | Mon, Oct. 14 | 1:45 p.m. |
Mountain Time | Mon, Oct. 14 | 12:45 p.m. |
Pacific Time | Mon, Oct. 14 | 11:45 a.m. |
Belgium vs. France lineups, team news
Belgium will need to adapt without Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, who have not joined the squad. De Bruyne is sidelined with a groin injury, while Lukaku was not called up, citing a need to focus on building his fitness.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels also withdrew from the squad after taking a knock while playing for Nottingham Forest.
Leandro Trossard, who scored against Italy, will be key to their attack as they look to break down France's defense.
Belgium predicted XI (5-2-3), right to left): Casteels — Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate,De Cuyper — Tielemans, Mangala — Trossard, Openda, Doku
Injured: Matz Sels, Kevin de Bruyne
Suspended: —
Meanwhile, France will be missing Kylian Mbappé due to injury, and Antoine Griezmann, who has retired from international football. However, the 2018 World Cup winners have reinforcements like Christopher Nkunku and Barcola, who have been in good form.
The Chelsea striker has scored seven goals in all competitions for his club and was among the scorers in France's game against Israel.
Meanwhile, Barcola scored the fastest goal for France in Nations League history in their match against Italy in Paris last month and has shown he can step up in the absence of Mbappe and Griezmann.
France predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Maignan — Kounde, Konate, Saliba, T Hernandez — Tchouameni, Camavinga, Guendouzi; Olise, Kolo Muani, Barcola.
Injured: Kylian Mbappe
Suspended: —
Belgium vs. France prediction
France have dominated recent meetings, winning their last four encounters against their neighbors. The Belgian defense has been shaky, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches across all competitions.
Meanwhile, France has been strong in the attack. They have scored first in six of their last seven games. Les Bleus is the favorite to secure a win against Belgium.
- Prediction: Belgium 1-2 France
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