The French national team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium in their UEFA Nations League match, with Michael Olise scoring the winning goal in the final minutes. This win marked a significant achievement for Les Bleus, who have now won 11 matches in 2026, their highest tally in a calendar year since 2018. According to statistics from 2026, France's performance has been impressive, with the team demonstrating remarkable consistency.

Michael Olise's goal not only secured the win but also etched his name in the history books. He became the first player to directly contribute to the first two goals under a new manager, Zinedine Zidane, since Eric Cantona in 1992 under Gerard Houllier. Olise's performance has been outstanding, with 18 goal contributions in his first 27 international appearances, comprising 8 goals and 10 assists. This achievement makes him the first player to reach this milestone since Yuri Djorkaeff in 1997.

The match against Belgium showcased the impressive form of the French team, with young players like Desiree Doué and Bradley Barcola making significant contributions. The duo has been instrumental in France's success, with the team winning all seven matches they have played together. This bodes well for the team's future prospects, as they look to build on their recent performances.

France's defensive solidity was also on display, as they kept a second clean sheet in 14 matches without Dayot Upamecano. The team's 1-0 win over Germany on June 8, 2025, was their first clean sheet in the absence of the defender. This achievement highlights the team's ability to adapt to different situations and still produce impressive results.

The win over Belgium was a crucial one for France, as they look to top their group in the UEFA Nations League. The team's performance has been impressive, with Olise and his teammates demonstrating their skill and determination. As the competition heats up, France will look to build on their momentum and secure further victories.

France's manager, Zinedine Zidane, will be pleased with his team's performance, particularly the contributions from his young players. The team's success will give Zidane confidence as he looks to build a strong squad for future competitions. With Olise and his teammates in form, France will be a team to watch in the coming months.

The UEFA Nations League match between France and Belgium was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, it was Olise's late goal that sealed the win for France, giving them a crucial three points. The team's fans will be thrilled with the result, as they look forward to their team's future matches.

Key points

  • France's 1-0 win over Belgium marked their 11th victory of 2026.
  • Michael Olise has contributed to 18 goals in his first 27 international appearances.
  • France have won all seven matches with Desiree Doué and Bradley Barcola in the starting lineup.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.