France defeated Belgium 4-1 on October fifth, 2026, delivering a commanding performance that showcased the team’s attacking depth and ability to change a game from the bench. After a relatively slow start to the tournament, Les Bleus found another gear in the second half and turned a deficit into a convincing win. Michael Olise once again played a starring role, scoring twice late in the match to put the result beyond doubt.
Belgium held the lead for much of the contest after Dodi Lukebakio opened the scoring in the 35th minute. France responded with four unanswered goals, starting with Désiré Doué’s equalizer before Rayan Cherki put them ahead. Olise then added two goals in the closing minutes to complete the comeback and underline France’s attacking quality.
Belgium started strongly and put France under pressure, and Dodi Lukebakio made the most of his chance to open the scoring. The Benfica forward split the French defense before striking over goalkeeper Mike Maignan, giving Belgium a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute.
The goal put France in a difficult position. Although Les Bleus entered the match three points ahead of Italy and four points ahead of Belgium, dropping points against the Red Devils threatened to change the group. A Belgian win would have put them on top, while France risked being drawn level with Italy.
France needed a response, particularly after struggling to turn its attacking possession into goals earlier in the tournament. The team had the individual talent to challenge Belgium, but it needed greater precision in the final third and more decisive movement in front of goal.
France’s comeback began with Désiré Doué, who scored the equalizer to bring Les Bleus back into the contest. The young attacker had already contributed offensively, applying pressure and helping France create chances, but he had yet to find the back of the net during the tournament.
His goal was a turning point. By leveling the score, Doué gave France renewed confidence and shifted the pressure back onto Belgium. The French side could now attack with greater purpose rather than chasing the match from behind.
Doué’s contribution also highlighted France’s attacking depth. When a team has multiple players capable of changing a match, opponents cannot focus their defensive efforts on just one or two stars. France began to demonstrate exactly that, finding different ways to break through Belgium’s defensive structure.
The equalizer opened the door for a stronger French performance, and the team took full advantage as the second half progressed.
Rayan Cherki delivered the next major moment, scoring the goal that put his squad ahead and completed the turnaround. The Manchester City midfielder showcased his technical ability with an impressive attacking move, linking up with his teammates before playing a quick one-two to beat two defenders and the goalkeeper.
The goal demonstrated the creativity and composure Cherki can bring to the French attack. His close control, intelligent movement, and quick decision-making make him dangerous in tight spaces. Rather than relying solely on individual dribbling, he used his teammates effectively to create the opening.
Cherki’s finish was especially important because it gave France a lead to protect and forced Belgium to respond. After spending much of the match ahead, the Red Devils suddenly found themselves chasing the game.
Olise once again proved decisive for Les Bleus, scoring twice in the closing stages to turn a narrow advantage into a commanding 4-1 victory. His goals in the 88th and 91st minutes capped an outstanding second-half performance and ensured Belgium had little chance of recovering.
Olise’s first goal came from a cross before he unleashed a low, driven shot through traffic. The finish showcased the technique and composure that have made him such a valuable attacking threat. Finding the right angle and threading a shot through a crowded penalty area requires precision, especially when defenders try to close down every available space.
His second goal was equally impressive. Breaking away from the Belgian defense, Olise found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Rather than rushing, he picked his spot and sent the ball between the keeper’s legs.
That type of finish requires confidence and accuracy. Goalkeepers often expect attackers to aim for either side of the goal, so choosing the space between their legs can be effective when executed correctly. Olise read the situation well and finished to complete his brace.
The two late goals reinforced the difference between the teams in the closing stages. Belgium frustrated France for much of the match, but the French attack became increasingly hard to contain as the game opened up.
Olise’s performance also continued his growing importance to the national team. His ability to create chances, finish under pressure, and deliver in decisive moments gives France another reliable attacking option when matches become difficult.
One of the biggest takeaways from France’s 4-1 win over Belgium was the impact of its substitutes. After trailing for much of the contest, France turned the match around with fresh attacking options and improved execution in the final third.
Doué, Cherki, and Olise’s contributions demonstrated the depth available to the French squad. Their attacking quality gave France the spark it needed, transforming a frustrating performance into an emphatic victory.
In a demanding international tournament, that depth can be crucial. Small details often decide matches, and the ability to introduce players who can immediately influence the game provides a significant advantage. France showed it doesn’t need to rely on a single star to score.
The result should also encourage the team after a slow start to the tournament. France demonstrated resilience by responding to Belgium’s opening goal, composure by taking the lead, and clinical finishing by scoring twice in the final minutes
Ultimately, France’s 4-1 victory over Belgium was a statement of attacking intent. Doué helped spark the comeback, Cherki scored the decisive go-ahead goal, and Olise finished with a memorable brace. If France can carry that second-half energy and clinical finishing into its upcoming fixtures, Les Bleus will remain a formidable opponent as the tournament progresses.
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