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PARIS, October 6, 2026: Michael Olise inspired a stunning late comeback as France defeated Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, scoring four times in the final 13 minutes to strengthen their position at the top of Group A1.
Belgium appeared on course for a major result after Dodi Lukebakio put the visitors ahead in the 35th minute. France struggled to break through Belgium’s defence for much of the match.
Zinedine Zidane’s substitutions changed the game. Désiré Doué equalised in the 77th minute before Rayan Cherki completed the turnaround four minutes later.
Olise then took control of the closing stages. The Bayern Munich winger scored in the 88th minute and added another goal in stoppage time to complete France’s 4-1 victory.
Olise came off the bench and directly influenced three of France’s four goals. His performance continued an impressive start under Zidane.
France remained unbeaten in Zidane’s opening four matches. The victory also gave the former France captain his first home win since taking charge of the national team.
France now lead Group A1 with 10 points. Italy are second on seven points, while Belgium have six.
The group campaign concludes next month, with France facing Italy away before hosting Turkey.
Italy strengthened their position in second place with a 3-1 victory over Turkey in Bologna.
Gianluca Scamacca gave Italy the lead before Aral Simsir equalised after the hour mark. Riccardo Calafiori restored Italy’s advantage, while Pio Esposito added the third goal to secure the points.
The result extended Italy’s unbeaten run under Roberto Mancini and kept them within three points of France.
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Northern Ireland remained top of Group B2 after a 0-0 draw with Georgia in Belfast.
Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili saved Isaac Price’s late penalty to deny the hosts a winning goal.
Elsewhere, Hungary defeated Ukraine 2-1, while Sweden beat Romania 1-0. Viktor Gyökeres continued his scoring run in the competition with the decisive goal.
In Group C2, Cyprus defeated Latvia 2-1 after Marcus Edwards scored a stoppage-time winner. Group leaders Montenegro and Armenia played out a goalless draw.
