Both teams may have underperformed at Euro 2024 so far, but one will advance to the quarter-finals. Read on for our France vs Belgium prediction and preview of their last-16 clash.
Who won Euro 2020?
Italy
Read More: Euro 2024 Venues: A Detailed Guide To The Cities and Stadiums in Germany
France vs Belgium: Match Preview
Neither France nor Belgium impressed during the group stage of Euro 2024, resulting in a challenging last-16 matchup against each other and placing them on the tougher side of the knockout draw.
Belgium, despite not being expected to dominate the tournament, were still anticipated to comfortably win Group E, which included Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine. However, they finished second with only one win.
France entered Euro 2024 as one of the favorites, given their talent and recent success in major international tournaments. Yet, they only managed to finish as runners-up in their group, with Austria unexpectedly topping the section.
After a narrow victory over Austria on Matchday 1, Les Bleus were held to consecutive draws by the Netherlands and Poland, with Poland finishing last in the group.
France scored just two goals on their way to the last 16, their fewest in a major tournament group stage since the 2010 World Cup (1). Moreover, these two goals came from a Max Wöber own goal for Austria and a Kylian Mbappé penalty, with France failing to score from 47 non-penalty attempts.
While the only goal France conceded was also a penalty (meaning their group games saw 70 non-penalty shots in total without any resulting in a goal), they demonstrated defensive solidity. However, their overall performances were lackluster.
Due to the draws with the Netherlands and Poland, France have drawn five of their last six Euros matches (W1), compared to only four draws in their previous 25 games in the competition (W14 L7). One of those recent draws occurred at this stage of Euro 2020, where they tied 3-3 with Switzerland before losing 5-4 on penalties.
Had France won their group, they would have secured a more favorable draw, facing Turkey in the last-16 and avoiding heavyweights like Spain, Germany, and Portugal in the knockout bracket.
Despite their underwhelming group stage, Belgium possesses the firepower to be a formidable opponent. The Red Devils are making their third consecutive knockout stage appearance at the European Championship, having reached the quarter-finals in both Euro 2016 and Euro 2020. They have also won their last four last-16 matches at major tournaments (World Cup/Euros) since losing to Brazil in the 2002 World Cup.
However, this match doesn’t promise a high-scoring affair. Only Serbia (3.8%) had a poorer shot conversion rate in the group stage than Belgium and France (both 4.2% – 2 goals from 48 shots). Belgium has managed just three goals in six games across the last two major tournaments (2022 World Cup & Euro 2024), converting only 3.6% of their shots (3/83) and underperforming their expected goals (xG) by 6.15 (3 goals from 9.15 xG).
A spot in the quarter-finals is the main prize on offer here, but Kylian Mbappé also has a few personal milestones within reach.
Having scored his first-ever Euros goal against Poland, the soon-to-be Real Madrid player is just one goal shy of Michel Platini’s French record for goals in major tournaments (14). Additionally, he is only two goals away from becoming the third player to score 50 goals for Les Bleus, joining Olivier Giroud (57) and Thierry Henry (51).
France vs Belgium: Head-to-Head
This will be the 76th meeting between France and Belgium in men’s international football. The Red Devils are France’s most frequent all-time opponent, having faced them nearly twice as often as any other team (39 meetings each with Italy and Switzerland). Meanwhile, Belgium have only faced the Netherlands (129 times) more frequently than France.
Les Bleus have won all four of their previous matches against Belgium at major international tournaments (World Cup and European Championship), scoring 13 goals and conceding just three.
Their only previous encounter at a European Championship was 40 years ago when France won 5-0 in the group stage of Euro 1984, thanks to a Platini hat-trick and goals from Alain Giresse and Luis Fernandez. France went on to lift the trophy for the first time.
France vs Belgium: Recent Form
France: Form (all competitions, most recent first): DDWDWW
Belgium: Form (all competitions, most recent first): DWLWWD
France vs Belgium: Team News and Predicted Line-up
France
Kylian Mbappe was fit to start against Poland despite breaking his nose in their Euro 2024 opener, meaning he will play the rest of the tournament wearing a face mask.
France brought Bradley Barcola into the lineup for Antoine Griezmann, and while the young winger showed flashes of brilliance, he did not do enough to secure his spot in the starting eleven. Olivier Giroud and Marcus Thuram also hope to be selected in the attack, possibly shifting Mbappe to a wide position.
Deschamps is likely to stick with his trusted system, meaning Adrien Rabiot should feature in midfield. Reports suggest Deschamps will not move Mbappe back to the left wing, where he has often excelled both domestically and internationally. This would require starting the 37-year-old Olivier Giroud or one of Randal Kolo Muani and the out-of-form Marcus Thuram up front.
Antoine Griezmann is expected to return to the lineup after being dropped last time, likely playing in a 4-4-2 diamond formation behind Mbappe and Dembele. Thuram and Bradley Barcola are set to be left out.
Deschamps will face calls to exclude Adrien Rabiot, particularly if France moves away from the three-man midfield used in the last two games. Aurelien Tchouameni’s position is also under threat given N’Golo Kante’s strong performances so far.
France’s defense has remained solid thanks to a consistent backline, with Arsenal’s William Saliba expected to retain his place alongside Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate for this evening’s last-16 match.
Suspended: None
Misses next match if booked: Dembélé, Mbappé, Rabiot
France: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Maignan
- Defenders: Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez
- Midfielders: Rabiot, Kante, Tchouameni
- Forwards: Griezmann, Thuram, Mbappe
Belgium
Belgium will give their senior stars another chance in today’s Euro 2024 last-16 clash with France.
The Red Devils have faced heavy criticism from their fans for their lackluster performances in what appeared to be an easily winnable Group E. A defeat to Slovakia and a draw against Ukraine resulted in a difficult knockout tie as group runners-up.
Belgium has plenty of options to refresh their team, particularly in attack. Dodi Lukebakio could earn a quick recall after serving a one-game ban, possibly sending Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard to the bench. Johan Bakayoko is another contender to start.
Up front, RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda, who scored 24 goals in the Bundesliga last season, is likely to remain on the bench behind Romelu Lukaku, despite Lukaku receiving negative reviews for missing chances.
Youri Tielemans has been a valuable addition to the midfield since recovering from injury midway through the group stage and should continue alongside Andre Onana and Kevin De Bruyne.
Belgium has fewer defensive options, so major changes are unlikely, especially as they have conceded just one goal so far.
Suspended: None
Misses next match if booked: Faes, Mangala, Tielemans
Belgium: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Casteels
- Defenders: Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate
- Midfielders: Tielemans, Onana, De Bruyne
- Forwards: Lukebakio, Doku, Lukaku
France vs Belgium:: Match Prediction
Neither team has looked impressive, but France has performed better than Belgium. Both sides might benefit from setting up to attack with pace on the counter, potentially turning the match into a strategic chess game.
Prediction: France to win, 1-0.
When and Where to Watch the Match LIVE in India?
UEFA Euro 2024 matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports channels: Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 3 HD, Sony Sports Ten 4, Sony Sports Ten 4 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5, and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 can be accessed through the SonyLIV app and website.
You can watch today’s match from 9:30 pm onwards on Sony Sports channels: Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 3 HD, Sony Sports Ten 4, Sony Sports Ten 4 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5, and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD.
Live streaming of the match can also be accessed through the SonyLIV app and website.
