France Defeats Belgium 4-1 as Michael Olise Scores Twice

Michael Olise Leads Les Bleus Past Belgium

France closed out the international break in dominant fashion on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, routing Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France. Michael Olise starred with two goals for the hosts, while Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki also found the back of the net. The victory lifted France to the top of UEFA Nations League A Group 1 with 10 points from four matches, while Belgium sits third in the group standings with six points.

Deschamps Makes 10 Changes as France Falls Behind

Head coach Didier Deschamps made 10 changes to the French starting lineup following a draw against Italy. Manchester United defender Leny Yoro made his international debut at center-back alongside Maxence Lacroix, while Guillaume Restes earned his first start in goal and Andy Diouf featured at left-back. Despite controlling the early tempo through wingers Ousmane Dembéle and Bradley Barcola, France fell behind in the 35th minute. Romelu Lavia collected possession in midfield and threaded a through ball to Dodi Lukebakio, who sprinted into the penalty area and fired past Restes into the top corner to give Belgium a 1-0 halftime lead.

Late Goals from Doué and Cherki Secure Victory

France pressed for an equalizer after the interval, introducing Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Lucas Da Cunha to inject life into the attack. The pressure finally told in the 77th minute when Da Cunha delivered a short pass to Désiré Doué inside the box. Doué eluded a defender and drilled a low shot through a defender’s legs and into the right corner to level the score at 1-1. Four minutes later, Olise outmaneuvered Joaquin Seys and fed Cherki on the right side of the penalty area, where the substitute hammered a first-time shot past Belgian goalkeeper Marten Vandervoordt to put the hosts ahead.

Olise extended the lead himself by completing a solo run down the right flank, exchanging a one-two with Doué, and driving a shot toward the far post. In the 91st minute, Olise capped the scoring by collecting another pass from Doué inside the box and finishing from close range to seal the 4-1 scoreline.

Match Details and Starting XIs

The fixture at the Stade de France in Saint Denis featured significant experimentation from the French technical staff. The complete team sheets from the matchday reveal the extent of the rotation deployed by both squads.

France starting lineup: Guillaume Restes; Jules Koundé, Leny Yoro, Maxence Lacroix, Andy Diouf; Maghnes Akliouche, Manu Koné, Eduardo Camavinga; Ousmane Dembéle, Esteban Lepaul, Bradley Barcola.

Belgium starting lineup: Marten Vandervoordt; Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Joaquin Seys; Nicolas Raskin, Roméo Lavia, Hans Vanaken; Dodi Lukebakio, Romelu Lukaku, Diego Moreira.