France beat Belgium 4-1 in Nations League, go top of Group A1
Synopsis
Trailing at half-time to Dodi Lukebakio's opener, Zinedine Zidane turned to his bench — and France's substitutes delivered one of the Nations League's most emphatic second-half turnarounds. Four goals in 14 minutes, a brace from Michael Olise, and Les Bleus sit alone at the top of Group A1, unbeaten in four games under their legendary new coach.
Key Takeaways
France beat Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France on 6 October 2026 , coming from 1-0 down at half-time.
All four French goals came within 14 second-half minutes , scored by substitutes Desire Doue , Rayan Cherki , and Michael Olise (two goals).
Dodi Lukebakio had given Belgium the lead in the 35th minute .
Zinedine Zidane's France are now unbeaten in Nations League Group A1 with 3 wins and 1 draw .
France's next fixtures are away to Italy in Milan on 12 November and at home to Turkey in Bordeaux on 15 November .
Zinedine Zidane's France produced a breathtaking second-half comeback to defeat Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France on 6 October 2026, storming to the top of Nations League Group A1. Les Bleus, who trailed at half-time, erupted with four goals in a stunning 14-minute blitz after the interval to seal a decisive victory.
How Belgium Took the Lead
The visitors drew first blood in the 35th minute when Romeo Lavia found Dodi Lukebakio with a measured through ball from deep in midfield. The French defence were caught flat-footed, and Lukebakio exploited the space brilliantly, going one-on-one with goalkeeper Guillaume Restes before slotting the ball into the top right corner to give Belgium a shock lead heading into the break.
Zidane's Substitutes Turn the Tide
Zidane responded decisively at half-time, deploying his star-studded bench, and the tactical switch paid immediate dividends. In the 77th minute, Lucas Da Cunha picked out Desire Doue in the centre of the penalty area. The Paris-born forward turned sharply, shifted onto his left foot, and arrowed a low angled shot into the side netting through a crowd of Belgian defenders to level at 1-1.
France moved ahead moments later when Michael Olise cut inside past Joaquin Seys, entered the box, and laid the ball back for Rayan Cherki, who finished coolly with his left foot. The Belgian goalkeeper got a touch but could not keep the ball out, putting France 2-1 in front.
Olise's Brace Seals a Statement Victory
Olise then electrified the Stade de France with two goals in rapid succession — in the 88th minute and in the 90+1st minute — both assisted by Doue, completing a four-goal blitz in just 14 minutes. The Belgian defence had no answer for the pace and movement of France's substitutes, who collectively turned a losing position into a rout. The final scoreline of 4-1 ensured France also won the two-legged tie against Belgium 1-0 on aggregate.
France's Unbeaten Run Under Zidane
The victory extends France's unbeaten record under Zidane in the Nations League, with Les Bleus now boasting three wins and one draw since the iconic former midfielder took charge. This win cements their position at the summit of Group A1. Notably, the manner of the comeback — scored entirely by substitutes — underscores the extraordinary depth Zidane has at his disposal.
What Comes Next for France
Les Bleus return to action in November, with two crucial fixtures on the horizon. France travel to Milan to face Italy on 12 November, before hosting Turkey in Bordeaux on 15 November. Both results will be critical to maintaining their grip on top spot in Group A1.
Point of View
Which speaks to a squad depth that rivals any in world football. Zidane's tactical instinct to restructure at half-time, trailing by a goal, recalls his best moments as a coach at Real Madrid. For Belgium, the collapse is a worrying sign: conceding four in 14 minutes to players who were not even in the starting XI points to defensive fragility that will concern their own management. As France prepare for Italy and Turkey in November, this comeback will serve as a confidence-defining moment for the Zidane era.
NationPress
6 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between France and Belgium in the Nations League?
France beat Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France on 6 October 2026 in a Nations League Group A1 match. France came from a goal down at half-time to score four goals in 14 second-half minutes.
Who scored for France against Belgium?
Desire Doue equalised first, Rayan Cherki put France ahead, and Michael Olise added two more late goals — his brace coming in the 88th minute and 90+1st minute — all from the substitutes' bench.
Who scored for Belgium?
Dodi Lukebakio scored for Belgium in the 35th minute, converting a through ball from Romeo Lavia after the French defence were caught off guard.
Where does France stand in Nations League Group A1 after this result?
France sit at the top of Nations League Group A1, remaining unbeaten under Zinedine Zidane with three wins and one draw in the group stage.
When are France's next Nations League fixtures?
France face Italy away in Milan on 12 November, followed by a home match against Turkey in Bordeaux on 15 November.
