France vs. Belgium prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for UEFA Nations League group match | Sporting News

Reeling after a shock defeat at home to a patchwork Italy side, France are hoping to rebound against Belgium in Lyon on Monday as UEFA Nations League play continues.

Les Bleus were ahead in Paris after just one minute, but from there were put to the sword as Italy pummeled them with transition and efficiency in the final third. The visitors took their 11 shots and turned them into three goals on 1.74 xG, while France could only muster 11 shots worth 0.61 after Bradley Barcola’s early opener.

Kylian Mbappe was kept to just two low-value shots and just three passes into the final third, as Didier Deschamp’s side looked toothless for most of the game, powerless to stop Italy’s charge.

Belgium’s start to Nations League play went swimmingly, as they topped Israel 3-1, dominating proceedings from start to finish and only conceding a 36th minute own-goal on the other end.

MORE: Full UEFA Nations League schedule, results, and more for 2024/25 competition

France vs. Belgium prediction, odds

• Moneyline lean: France (-190)
• Score prediction: France 2-1 Belgium

France were extremely poor against Italy in the last game, and Belgium pummeled Israel, but we’re going to play this on long-term body of work rather than what seems to be a fluky result for Les Bleus.

We all know what France are capable of, especially at home, while Belgium haven’t beaten a top side in ages. The Red Devils lost to France 1-0 just a few months ago at Euro 2024, in a game where Belgium had almost nothing in the attacking third.

More goals should be expected here as both teams have sold out in recent games for more attacking production, but France should rebound, albeit closer than maybe they wanted.

France vs. Belgium match facts

• Date: Monday, Sep. 9, 2024
• Kickoff Time: 8:45 p.m. local (2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT)
• Location: Groupama Stadium (Lyon, France)
• Referee: Tobias Stieler (GER)
• Last meeting: France 1-0 Belgium (Jul. 1, 2024 | Euro 2024)

MORE: A complete guide to betting on soccer in the United States

France vs. Belgium best bet

• Pick: Both teams to score — Yes
• Odds: -125 (BetMGM)

While we’re taking a longer-term approach to the overall moneyline result, recent play can indicate more goals should be scored this time around than last time they met. Belgium were putrid at Euro 2024, but Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku looked revitalized against Israel, a very positive sign for the Red Devils.

With that, France have been poor defensively for a time now. As soon as Didier Deschamps caved to public pressure for the team to play more attractive football, it has come at a major defensive cost. They have conceded five goals to Spain and Italy in their last two, going in front early in both of those matches before capitulating at the back.

Both sides have scored in two of the last four meetings between these two sides, so there’s plenty of reason that can continue.

France vs. Belgium prop bet

• Pick: 2+ goals in first half — Yes
• Odds: +165 (BetMGM)

Both these sides have shown a propensity to both score and concede early goals to make the game interesting before the break.

Belgium went into halftime against Israel level at 1-1, and then went in front just three minutes after the second half restart. France, meanwhile, had a first-minute goal come crumbling down against Italy, just as they did against Spain in the Euro knockout stages.

France vs. Belgium live stream, TV channel

The match between France and Belgium will be televised in the United States on FS2. This channel is available to stream on Fubo, who are offering a free seven-day trial for new users.

The match is also available to stream in Spanish on ViX.

In Canada, this game from Dublin will be streamed exclusively on DAZN. Meanwhile, in the UK, it will be streamed on Viaplay International YouTube.