Michael Olise Strikes Late as France Edge Belgium 1-0 in Nations League

France left Brussels with another three points after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League. With the match seemingly heading towards a goalless draw, Michael Olise produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 88th minute to settle the contest.

The result gave Zinedine Zidane two wins from his first two Nations League matches as France coach. Belgium, meanwhile, were left frustrated after producing a competitive performance but failing to find the breakthrough.

Olise Produces the Decisive Moment

For much of the evening, both defences managed to keep the opposition's attackers under control. France had opportunities, including a first-half effort from Désiré Doué that struck the crossbar, while Belgium also threatened through Dodi Lukebakio.

Then came the moment that changed everything. In the 88th minute, Michael Olise picked up the ball around halfway and embarked on a superb solo run. He carried the ball through the Belgian defence before calmly slotting his finish beyond the goalkeeper.

It was the kind of individual moment that can decide a tightly balanced international match — and it gave France a 1-0 lead just two minutes before the end of normal time.

Belgium Come Close but Cannot Find a Goal

Belgium had their chances during an entertaining contest at the King Baudouin Stadium. Dodi Lukebakio came closest for the hosts, while France also saw Lucas Da Cunha strike the base of the post after the interval. The game remained finely balanced until Olise's late intervention.

Belgium had entered the match with confidence after defeating Italy 2-0 in Rome in their opening Group A1 fixture. Mark van Bommel's team had therefore hoped to follow that result with another strong performance against France. Instead, one late lapse and one moment of brilliance separated the two sides.

Zidane's France Start With Two Wins

The France vs Belgium UEFA Nations League 2026 match was another important step for Zidane, who has taken over as France coach.

Zidane's team opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Türkiye before producing another narrow win against Belgium. That means France have scored twice across their opening two games while conceding no goals.

France were also without Kylian Mbappé, but the absence of their captain did not prevent them from finding a match-winning attacking moment. Olise's performance highlighted the range of options available to Zidane as he builds his team.

Van Bommel's Belgium Suffer Narrow Setback

For Mark van Bommel, the defeat was a frustrating outcome after Belgium had started the Nations League with a convincing win over Italy.

The Belgian coach had emphasised intensity and a willingness to work when preparing for France. His team largely followed that approach, staying organised and competing strongly for long periods.

However, the late goal means Belgium now have three points from their opening two Group A1 matches. The narrow margin also means there is plenty for Belgium to build on despite the result.

France Move Into a Strong Position

The Belgium 0-1 France result keeps France at the top end of Group A1 after two rounds of matches. Belgium's defeat also leaves the group tightly contested alongside Italy and Türkiye.

According to UEFA's official competition schedule, the 2026/27 Nations League league phase runs from September through November, with teams in League A playing six matches each.

France will therefore have plenty more work to do before the group is decided, but two wins and two clean sheets provide a strong opening to Zidane's tenure.

One Moment Was Enough

The France vs Belgium clash was ultimately decided by a single piece of individual quality. Belgium defended well for most of the night, France remained patient, and the match appeared destined to finish without a goal. Then Olise took matters into his own hands.

His late run and composed finish delivered France another 1-0 victory and ensured Zidane's early Nations League record remained perfect. For Belgium, the challenge now is to respond. For France, the focus turns to maintaining their momentum as the Nations League campaign continues.