The pressure is on both France and Belgium when the rivals meet in the Euro 2024 last-16 today.
Les Bleus, out to win the Euros for a third time having failed to make good on their label as favourites in the last two tournaments, laboured to second place in Group D having drawn against Netherlands and Poland.
Didier Deschamps has faced up to plenty of criticism amid claims that off-pitch political matters are disrupting the French camp.
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But Belgium can claim to have even bigger issues after being booed off by their fans in the 0-0 draw with Ukraine which qualified them as fortunate runners-up in their group.
Of course, one of these teams has to progress with Portugal or Slovenia awaiting in the quarter-finals.
Date, kick-off time and venue
France vs Belgium is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off today, Monday July 1, 2024.
The match will take place at Dusseldorf Arena.
Where to watch France vs Belgium
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 4pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the contest live online for free via the ITVX app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
France vs Belgium team news
France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Tchouamnei, Kante, Rabiot; Griezmann; Thuram, Mbappe
Subs: Samba, Pavard, Mendy, Camavinga, Giroud, Dembele, Muani, Zaire Emery, Fofana, Coman, Clauss, Areola, Konate, Barcola
Belgium XI: Casteels; Castagne, Fares, Vertonghen, Theate; Onana, Carrasco, De Bruyne; Openda, Lukaku, Doku
Subs: Debast, Witsel, Tielemans, Trossard, Kaminski, Sels, Lukebakio, Vranckx, De Ketelaere, Mangala, Bakayoko, Vermeeren, De Cuyper
France vs Belgium prediction
Neither of these teams look good but France have looked better than Belgium. Both sides might suit setting up to attack with pace on the counter, which could make for a bit of a chess game.
France to win, 1-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The all-time record between these two nations is somewhat skewed by Belgium’s dominance before the First World War. Since 1981, the Red Devils have won just two of 13 meetings and lost to France in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
France wins: 26
Belgium wins: 30
Draws: 19
France vs Belgium match odds
France to qualify: 2/5
Belgium to qualify: 15/8
