Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; France forward Kylian Mbappe (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against Argentina on a penalty kick for his third goal of the match during extra time of the 2022 World Cup final at Lusail Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
- France meets Belgium in a high-profile round of 16 match at Euro 2024 on Monday
- Both offenses are sputtering, scoring just two goals each in three group-stage games
- See the France vs Belgium predictions, odds, recent H2H results, and injury news for July 1st
The only match between top-ten teams in the Euro 2024 round of 16 takes place on Monday as world #2 France (1-2-0, 5 PTS, +1 goal differential) meet #3 Belgium (1-1-1, 4 PTS, +1 goal differential) at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf at 12:00 pm ET.
Neither team played up to its potential in the group stage. France earned a 1-0 over Austria before drawing Netherlands (0-0) and Poland (1-1). Belgium started with a stunning 1-0 loss to Slovakia before rebounding with a 2-0 win over Romania and a 0-0 draw with the Ukraine.
Oddsmakers are considerably more confident that France will turn it around, setting Les Bleus as -105 favorites in the France vs Belgium odds at bet365. Belgium is +380 to win in regular time while the draw is +230. The odds to advance to the quarterfinals list France at -225 and Belgium at +175.
France vs Belgium Predictions
- Under 2.5 goals (-150) at bet365
- Belgium +0.5 (-120) at FanDuel
France have gotten the better of long and storied head-to-head with neighbors Belgium of late, winning the only two meetings in the past six years (1-0 during the 2018 World Cup, and 3-2 during the 2021 Nations League). Belgium’s last victory over France came during in a thrilling 4-3 friendly in 2015.
But the current French side does not look much like the group that averaged 2.14 goals per game while finishing runner-up at the 2022 World Cup. In that tournament, France scored at least two goals per game in every fixture of consequence. (The only outlier was a 1-0 loss to Tunisia in the final group-stage game when France had already qualified for the next round and rested most of its usual starters.)
That’s not to say France hasn’t been generating chances at the Euro. They finished their three group-stage games with 5.83 xGA over 270 minutes compared to just 2.18 xGA.
The same could be said of Belgium, though. Domenico Tedesco’s squad generated 4.79 xGA and allowed 2.28 xGA in its three group-stage games and Romelu Lukaku had three goals ruled out by VAR, two that would have equalized against Slovakia.
With its preferred back-four intact – which it was against Romania and Ukraine, but not against Slovakia – Belgium has yet to concede a goal.
Pundits tend to harp on the increasing age of Belgium’s so-called “golden generation” (Jan Vertonghen is 37, Kevin De Bruyne is 33, Lukaku is 31, and Yannick Carrasco is 30). But I see that as an overblown concern. Belgium ran through a challenging Group F – which included Austria and Sweden – going 6-2-0 with a +18 goal differential.
They are still ranked #3 in the world precisely because they remain one of the most dominant teams on the planet, and I will gladly taken Belgium to secure at least a draw in regular time at -120.
Best France vs Belgium Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Total | To Advance |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | -105 | Over 2.5 (+125) | -215 |
| Belgium | +380 | Under 2.5 (-150) | +186 |
| Draw | +240 | — | — |
The best moneyline price for France is -105, available at both bet365 and DraftKings. Bet365 also has the best Belgium odds to win at _+380, while the longest odds on a draw at +240 at Caesars Sportsbook.
The longest odds on France advancing are at DraftKings when Les Bleus are -210. FanDuel has the best price for Belgium to advance at +186.
When it comes to the total, under 2.5 is listed at -150 at bet365, FanDuel, and ESPN Bet. DraftKings has the best odds on the over at +125.
France vs Belgium Injury & Suspension News
For France, center back Ibrahima Konaté continues to be bothered by a knee injury. He didn’t play any of the three group-stage games, replaced by William Saliba in the starting 11. Kylian Mbappe will continue to wear a facemask as he starts up front for Les Bleus. Mbappe suffered a broken nose against Austria in France’s opening match and sat out against the Netherlands, but returned with face protection against Poland, scoring France’s only goal from the penalty spot.
The only goal Belgium conceded in the group stage (against Slovakia) came when their backline was depleted. Neither Arthur Theate nor Jan Vertonghen was in the starting 11 for the 1-0 upset loss to Slovakia. Both played – alongside Wout Faes and Timothy Castagne – in the 2-0 win over Romania and 0-0 draw with the Ukraine.
Neither team has any suspensions on the books.
France Recent Results
| Opponent | Opp. FIFA Rank | Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poland | 54 | Jun 26, 2024 | Neutral | D 1-1 |
| Netherlands | 53 | Jun 22, 2024 | Neutral | D 0-0 |
| Austria | 4 | June 8, 2024 | Neutral | W 1-0 |
| Canada | 14 | Jun 5, 2024 | Home | D 0-0 |
| Luxembourg | 84 | May 31, 2024 | Home | W 3-0 |
| Chile | 1 | Mar 24, 2024 | Home | W 3-2 |
| Germany | 43 | Mar 21, 2023 | Home | L 2-0 |
| Greece | 12 | Dec 16, 2023 | Away | D 2-2 |
| Gibraltar | 78 | Nov 21, 2023 | Home | W 14-0 |
| Scotland | 78 | Nov 17, 2023 | Home | W4-10 |
Belgium Recent Results
| Opponent | Opp. FIFA Rank | Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | 24 | Jun 26, 2024 | Neutral | D 0-0 |
| Romania | 47 | Jun 22, 2024 | Neutral | W 2-0 |
| Slovakia | 45 | Jun 17, 2024 | Neutral | L 1-0 |
| Luxembourg | 85 | Jun 8, 2024 | Home | W 3-0 |
| Montenegro | 72 | Jun 5, 2024 | Home | W 2-0 |
| England | 5 | Mar 26, 2024 | Away | D 2-2 |
| Ireland | 60 | Mar 23, 2023 | Away | D 0-0 |
| Azerbaijan | 111 | Nov 19, 2023 | Home | W 5-0 |
| Serbia | 32 | Nov 15, 2023 | Home | W 1-0 |
| Sweden | 28 | Oct 16, 2023 | Home | D 1-1 |
Sascha was a hockey player in his youth, a lawyer in his capricious mid-20s, and has been with SBD since 2014. He specializes in football, basketball, politics, baseball, and hockey.
The highly anticipated Euro 2024 Round of 16 match between France and Belgium is set to be a thrilling encounter between two of the top teams in European football. Both teams have shown their quality throughout the tournament so far, and fans can expect a closely contested battle when they face off in the knockout stage.
France, the reigning World Cup champions, will be looking to continue their impressive form in Euro 2024. Led by star players such as Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and N’Golo Kante, the French team has been one of the standout performers in the tournament. Their attacking prowess and solid defense make them a formidable opponent for any team.
On the other hand, Belgium boasts a talented squad with players like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois leading the charge. The Red Devils have also been in fine form in Euro 2024, showcasing their attacking flair and ability to score goals from various positions on the field.
In terms of injury updates, both teams will be hoping to have their key players fit and available for the crucial Round of 16 clash. France will be monitoring the fitness of Mbappe, who picked up a knock in their last group stage match. Meanwhile, Belgium will be keeping a close eye on De Bruyne, who has been nursing a minor injury but is expected to be ready for the match.
As for the odds, France are slight favorites to win the match according to bookmakers. However, Belgium should not be underestimated, as they have the quality and experience to cause an upset and advance to the quarter-finals.
Overall, the France vs Belgium match is shaping up to be a must-watch encounter for football fans around the world. With both teams possessing top-class talent and a desire to win, we can expect a thrilling contest with plenty of goals and drama. It’s sure to be a match that will keep fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blows.
