BRUSSELS — France demolished Belgium 4‑1 in a high‑scoring Euro 2026 qualifier that ended in the late hours of Saturday, a result that will alter the standings in Group B. The match, played at the King Baudouin Stadium, saw France’s late‑substitutes score all four goals, turning a 1‑1 tie into a decisive victory.
Late Substitutions Turn the Tide
After a 1‑1 draw at the 70th minute, France introduced a trio of fresh attackers. Within the next ten minutes, the visitors scored three unanswered goals, all from players who had entered the game after the 70th minute. The fourth goal, a late strike in the 88th minute, sealed the win and left Belgium with a single point.
The substitution strategy, devised by coach Didier Deschamps, was praised for its timing and impact. France’s bench, featuring a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, proved decisive in the closing stages. Belgium’s lone goal, a penalty converted by a veteran midfielder, came early in the second half but was insufficient to halt the French surge.
Implications for the Group
With the win, France moves to the top of Group B, 12 points ahead of Belgium, who now sit in second place with 10 points. The result leaves Belgium’s qualification hopes in jeopardy, as they must win their remaining two matches to stay in contention for a playoff spot.
France’s victory also boosts their goal‑difference advantage, a key tiebreaker in the group. The 4‑1 win improves France’s goal difference to +10, while Belgium’s drops to +2. The match was the first of the group’s remaining fixtures, and the outcome will shape the strategic approach of both teams in the coming weeks.
Reactions from Coaches
Deschamps, who has led France since 2012, praised his squad’s resilience. “The team showed great character,” he said in a post‑match interview. “The substitutes performed under pressure and delivered when it mattered.”
Belgium’s coach, Domenico Tedesco, expressed disappointment but highlighted the team’s effort. “We fought hard, but the French players were clinical,” he said. “We will regroup and prepare for the next challenge.”
Historical Context
France and Belgium have faced each other 54 times, with France holding a 30‑12 advantage. The last encounter in a major tournament was the 2018 World Cup group stage, where France won 2‑0. The current match marks the first time France has scored four goals against Belgium in a competitive fixture.
Belgium’s recent form has been inconsistent, with a 1‑1 draw against Spain and a 0‑2 loss to Italy. France, meanwhile, has won all three of its previous qualifiers, including a 3‑0 victory over Portugal.
Broadcast and Viewership
The match was broadcast live in 190 countries, drawing an estimated 45 million viewers worldwide. In Belgium, the game was watched by 3.2 million people, the highest rating for a football match in the country since 2014.
In France, the game attracted 4.5 million viewers, according to the national broadcasting authority. The high viewership underscores the public interest in France’s campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
