LIÈGE, Belgium — October 3, 2026 — Belgium will be without two of its key midfielders, Kevin De Bruyne and captain Youri Tielemans, when they face France in the UEFA Nations League on Monday.
Both players will miss the match at the Stade de France after accumulating yellow cards during the current international window. Under the Nations League disciplinary rules, players receive a one-match suspension after picking up their second yellow card in the league phase.
The suspensions come after Belgium defeated Türkiye 3-0 in Liège on Friday. De Bruyne played a decisive role in the victory, scoring twice, but received a yellow card late in the match following an emotional reaction after being fouled.
Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel said De Bruyne appeared frustrated and did not seem to realise at the time that the booking would result in a suspension.
Tielemans also received a yellow card against Türkiye. The captain had already been booked in Belgium’s previous Nations League match against France, meaning he will also serve a one-match suspension.
The absence of the two midfielders is a significant change for Van Bommel, as both players had started Belgium’s first three Nations League matches under the new coach.
Despite the disciplinary setback, Belgium enter the match after an impressive 3-0 victory over Türkiye. De Bruyne scored twice, while veteran striker Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score his 94th international goal.
The victory was Van Bommel’s second in his first three matches as Belgium coach. However, he acknowledged that his team still had areas to improve, particularly in possession.
“We were very sloppy in possession,” Van Bommel said, adding that Belgium sometimes allowed Türkiye too many opportunities because of their mistakes.
The coach nevertheless praised De Bruyne and Lukaku for their continued contribution to the national team, saying the experienced players can help lift the performance of their teammates.
Belgium are scheduled to meet France at the Stade de France on Monday, October 5, in the final match of the four-game Nations League international window.
