France v Belgium, a rich rivalry and momentum with Les Bleus | OneFootball

France face familiar foes Belgium on Monday in the Nations League at 20:45, with momentum on Les Bleus’ side. Historic balance leans Belgian only because of early friendlies.

According to L'Équipe, the sides have played 78 times since a 3-3 on 1 May 1904. The record is 29 France wins, 30 Belgium wins and 19 draws.

In competitive meetings France lead with 10 wins, three draws and three defeats. Milestones include 3-1 in the 1938 World Cup last 16 and 6-3 in 1956 qualifying, followed by a 0-0 to progress.

Euro 1984 brought a 5-0 win, Michel Platini scoring a hat-trick as France surged towards the title. They later controlled the 2018 World Cup semi-final 1-0.

They came from 2-0 down to win the 2021 Nations League semi-final 3-2 through Theo Hernandez. At Euro 2024 a late Jan Vertonghen own goal sealed a 1-0 last-16 win, leaving France perfect in finals with six from six.

Over the past 10 years France have five straight wins, plus two Nations League group victories in 2024. The last defeat was 4-3 in June 2015 at the Stade de France.

That autumn, Randal Kolo Muani scored in a 2-0 win. A month later, without Antoine Griezmann after his international retirement, he hit two in a 2-1 victory, and Youri Tielemans missed an early penalty.

Belgium have since changed head coach twice and several starters have gone. Mark Van Bommel has refreshed the squad, now he must try to change the history.

Source: L'Équipe

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