Belgium vs France: Michael Olise Scores Late as France Win 1-0 in Nations League
France secured a 1-0 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on September 28, 2026, with substitute Michael Olise scoring the decisive goal late in the match at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
The match remained goalless for most of the evening before Olise produced a solo run and finish in the 88th minute. The result gave France two wins from two matches in Group A1.
Belgium vs France: Olise Delivers Late Winner
Belgium and France were level at 0-0 deep into the second half.
France had opportunities earlier in the match, with Désiré Doué hitting the crossbar and Lucas Da Cunha also striking the post. Belgium created chances through players including Dodi Lukébakio and Mika Godts, but neither side could find the breakthrough during normal play.
Olise came off the bench in the 77th minute and made the difference late in the contest.
In the 88th minute, he collected the ball around halfway, drove forward past the Belgian defence and curled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to put France ahead. UEFA recorded it as Olise's eighth international goal for France.
France Make It Two Wins From Two
The victory continued France's perfect start to the 2026/27 Nations League campaign.
France had opened Group A1 with a 1-0 win away to Türkiye on September 25, with Kylian Mbappé scoring the only goal. Three days later, Olise's late strike secured another narrow victory against Belgium.
UEFA's Group A1 results show France beating Türkiye 1-0 before defeating Belgium 1-0.
Zidane Makes Nine Changes
France manager Zinédine Zidane made nine changes to the starting lineup compared with the team's opening Nations League match against Türkiye.
Despite the extensive rotation, France created several significant opportunities and eventually found the winning goal through one of the substitutes. UEFA described Olise as the match-winner after his late solo strike.
The win also extended Zidane's start as France manager to two victories from his first two Nations League matches.
Belgium Unable to Find an Equaliser
Belgium pushed for a response after conceding, but France held onto its advantage through the closing minutes.
Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy said after the match that his side had chances but needed greater sharpness in front of goal and concentration at the back.
The result leaves Belgium with three points from its opening two Group A1 matches, after beating Italy 2-0 in the opening round before the defeat to France.
What's Next for France and Belgium?
France's next Nations League match is against Italy on October 2 in Saint-Denis. The team will then face Belgium again on October 5.
Belgium's next listed Group A1 fixture is against Türkiye on October 2, while France's victory gives the French side an early six points from two matches.
Key Takeaway
Belgium vs France ended 0-1, with Michael Olise scoring in the 88th minute after coming off the bench. France therefore collected its second consecutive Nations League victory, while Belgium suffered its first defeat of the league phase.
