Belgium Crushes Türkiye 3-0 as France Is Held by Italy in Nations League
The third round of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League produced two major results on Friday, October 2.
Belgium defeated Türkiye 3-0, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring twice, while France was held to a 1-1 draw by Italy at the Stade de France.
The results changed the picture in Group A1. France remains top with 7 points, Belgium moved to 6, and Italy reached 4, while Türkiye remains without a point after three matches.
Belgium 3-0 Türkiye: De Bruyne Takes Control
Türkiye entered the match looking for their first point of the Nations League campaign after defeats against France and Italy.
Belgium, however, made a fast start.
Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 10th minute after combining with Dodi Lukebakio. The Belgian midfielder then moved past Abdülkerim Bardakcı before sending a low finish into the bottom corner.
Belgium continued to create chances, with Lukebakio twice coming close to scoring. His first effort was tipped onto the post by Türkiye goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır, while his second attempt after the break struck the crossbar.
De Bruyne Scores Again Before Lukaku Seals the Win
Belgium doubled its advantage in the 59th minute.
Youri Tielemans won possession before finding De Bruyne, who produced another excellent finish from outside the penalty area, curling the ball into the top-left corner.
Romelu Lukaku then came off the bench and completed the scoring in the 76th minute.
The Belgian striker finished from close range after receiving the ball from Charles De Ketelaere. It was Lukaku's 94th international goal for Belgium.
Türkiye showed moments of attacking threat, particularly through Arda Güler, but UEFA noted that the visitors did not test Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens enough.
France 1-1 Italy: Bastoni Denies Zidane
In Paris, France hosted Italy in Zinedine Zidane's first home match as France head coach.
France started strongly and controlled much of the possession, but Italy remained dangerous on the counterattack.
France came close to taking the lead when a deflected Désiré Doué delivery struck the crossbar in the 23rd minute.
Olise Scores a Stunning Goal
France finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.
Rayan Cherki touched a free kick into the path of Michael Olise, who produced a spectacular curling effort that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
The goal gave France a 1-0 lead and appeared to put Zidane's team on course for another victory.
But Italy responded.
Bastoni Brings Italy Back Into the Game
In the 68th minute, Alessandro Bastoni took advantage of a French defensive mistake.
Bastoni won the ball, moved forward, and fired past Mike Maignan to make it 1-1.
Italy then defended the result successfully despite continued French pressure.
Upamecano Sent Off Late
France's task became even more difficult in the closing stages when Dayot Upamecano received a second yellow card in the 85th minute.
France therefore finished the match with 10 players.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also played an important role, making several saves as the visitors secured a point in Paris.
Group A1 Standings After Matchday 3
The results leave the group standings as follows:
1. France – 7 points
2. Belgium – 6 points
3. Italy – 4 points
4. Türkiye – 0 points
Belgium's victory keeps the team just one point behind France, while Italy remains within reach of the top two. Türkiye, meanwhile, is still searching for their first point.
What Comes Next?
Türkiye will face Italy on October 5 in Bologna, giving both teams another important opportunity to improve their position in the group.
France and Belgium enter the next stage as the top two teams, separated by only one point.
The third matchday has therefore intensified the battle at the top while leaving Türkiye under pressure to respond in the remaining fixtures.