France Beat Belgium 4-1 as Italy Beat Turkey in Nations League
France Beat Belgium 4-1 as Italy Beat Turkey in Nations League
France beat Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Monday night, scoring four times in the final 13 minutes at the Stade de France. In the same group, Italy defeated Turkey 3-1 in Bologna to stay second.
The results shape the race at the top of Group A1, with France now holding a three-point lead over Italy and sitting four clear of Belgium.
Substitutes inspire turnaround in Paris
Belgium looked on course for a first competitive win over France since 1981 when Dodi Lukebakio fired the visitors ahead in the 35th minute. France laboured for long spells, but head coach Zinedine Zidane turned to his bench and the substitutes changed the game.
Desire Doue levelled with a low left-footed strike from the edge of the box in the 77th minute. Four minutes later, Rayan Cherki put France ahead, finishing from a Michael Olise cross. Olise then completed a brace with close-range finishes just before and during stoppage time to seal an emphatic win.
All four French goals came from players who started on the bench. The victory gave Zidane his first home win in charge, three days after a 1-1 draw with Italy, and kept his unbeaten record as France coach intact.
“I think we played well at the end. The first half was difficult.. but we kept going and we’re happy,” Olise told TF1 after the match. Zidane added: “Tonight, this is soccer, this is what we love.”
Mancini’s Italy keep pace with Bologna win
Italy continued their resurgence under Roberto Mancini with a 3-1 victory over Turkey in Bologna. Gianluca Scamacca drilled the hosts ahead before Aral Simsir equalised just after the hour mark. Riccardo Calafiori headed Italy back in front and Pio Esposito sealed the win.
It was Mancini’s first home victory since returning to lead Italy, and a third consecutive match without defeat for the Azzurri.
France beat Belgium: Group A1 standings and what comes next
France sit top of Group A1 with 10 points from four matches, three ahead of Italy. Belgium are third on six points, while Turkey remain bottom without a point after four straight defeats.
France had beaten Belgium 1-0 in Brussels last week thanks to a late Olise goal, and the two wins over their neighbours have put Zidane’s side in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals. France complete their group campaign with games away to Italy and at home to Turkey next month.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in France vs Belgium?
France beat Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France on October 5, 2026. Dodi Lukebakio gave Belgium a first-half lead before Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise (two) scored four times in the final 13 minutes.
Who scored for Italy against Turkey?
Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori and Pio Esposito scored in Italy’s 3-1 win over Turkey in Bologna. Aral Simsir equalised briefly for the visitors.
What are the Group A1 standings?
France lead with 10 points, followed by Italy on seven and Belgium on six. Turkey are bottom with no points from four matches.
