Olise's stunning goal secures victory for France in Belgium

France's midfielder #11 Michael Olise celebrated scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Nations League Group A1 football match against Belgium at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on September 28, 2026. Olise's magnificent late strike provided France with a 1-0 victory in Belgium on Monday, marking Zinedine Zidane's second win in as many games since taking over as coach.

The Bayern Munich star, who excelled at the World Cup where France reached the semi-finals, came off the bench late in a goalless game, starting from his own half to score the winner in the 88th minute. This victory followed a 1-0 success away to Turkey last Friday, Zidane's first game at the helm after succeeding Didier Deschamps post-World Cup.

France now tops Nations League Group A1 with six points, three points ahead of both Belgium and Italy, the latter having won 4-1 in Turkey on Monday. Les Bleus are set to host Italy next at the Stade de France on Friday for Zidane's homecoming, followed by another match against Belgium next Monday.

Zidane was without captain Kylian Mbappe, who returned to his club for treatment after injuring his left knee while scoring the winner against Turkey. The squad at King Baudouin Stadium saw nine changes, with only goalkeeper Mike Maignan and defender Maxence Lacroix retaining their places. Notably, Lucas Da Cunha of Como in Italy made his midfield debut, along with Esteban Lepaul of Rennes, the top scorer in France's Ligue 1 last season, making his first appearance in attack.

In contrast, Belgium made only two changes from the team that started Friday's 2-0 win in Italy, as new coach Mark van Bommel made his home debut. France dominated chances, with Paris Saint-Germain's Desire Doue hitting the bar in the first half and Da Cunha striking the post early in the second half. However, the game appeared destined for a goalless draw until Olise's intervention after he substituted for Liverpool winger Bradley Barcola in the 77th minute.

The London-born player collected the ball in his own half, advanced to the edge of the Belgian box, and curled a shot that found the bottom-left corner, eluding goalkeeper Senne Lammens.