**Olise Scores Late to Secure France's 1-0 Victory Over Belgium in Nations League**
*Brussels, Belgium – September 28, 2026* – Michael Olise's stunning late goal propelled France to a 1-0 victory against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, marking a successful continuation of Zinedine Zidane's tenure as head coach. This win follows a previous 1-0 triumph against Turkiye, bringing Zidane's record to two wins in as many matches since taking over the national team.
The match took place at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, where France, despite missing star player Kylian Mbappe due to a knee injury, managed to dominate the game. The Real Madrid forward had returned to his club for treatment after scoring the decisive goal against Turkiye in Zidane's debut match.
In a lineup that saw nine changes from the previous game, only goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix retained their starting positions. Among the new faces were Lucas Da Cunha, who made his debut in midfield, and Esteban Lepaul, who was introduced in attack. Lepaul had been the top scorer in Ligue 1 last season, adding a promising element to the French squad.
Belgium, under the guidance of new coach Mark van Bommel, made only two adjustments from their previous match, a 2-0 victory over Italy. The home side started strong but struggled to convert their chances into goals. France, on the other hand, created several opportunities, with Desire Doue hitting the crossbar in the first half and Da Cunha striking the post shortly after halftime.
As the match appeared destined for a goalless draw, Olise, who plays for Bayern Munich, entered the game in the 77th minute as a substitute for Liverpool's Bradley Barcola. The 21-year-old London-born player seized his moment in the 88th minute, collecting the ball inside his own half and embarking on a remarkable solo run. He advanced to the edge of the Belgian penalty area before curling a precise shot past goalkeeper Senne Lammens into the bottom-left corner of the net, securing the victory for France.
With this win, France now leads Nations League Group A1 with six points, three points ahead of both Belgium and Italy, who defeated Turkiye 4-1 in their match on the same day. France's next challenge will be a home match against Italy at the Stade de France on Friday, an event that will mark Zidane's return to the stadium where he once shone as a player.
The victory not only boosts France's position in the Nations League but also serves as a testament to Zidane's ability to motivate and integrate new talent into the squad. As the team prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the performances of players like Olise and Da Cunha will be crucial in maintaining their momentum in the tournament.
Overall, the match showcased France's depth and resilience, as they continue to adapt under new leadership while aiming for success in the Nations League.