Both sides enter this matchup missing the creative engines that usually drive their attacks, making a tactical stalemate the most likely outcome. France must navigate the absence of their captain and primary goal threat, Kylian Mbappé, due to a knee injury. At the same time, Belgium will be without their midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne following his recent suspension, leaving a massive gap in their ability to orchestrate chances.
France's recent performances have been surprisingly muted, ending in low-scoring affairs that highlight their current struggles to finish chances efficiently. Their expected goals have hovered around a modest 1.2 per game, indicating a lack of high-quality opportunities. While the hosts are expected to field a strong lineup, their attack simply lacks its usual lethal edge.
Belgium's attacking dynamic is severely compromised without both De Bruyne and the injured Jeremy Doku. They already struggled to break down this same opponent just a week ago in a narrow loss, and finding a breakthrough away from home with a depleted squad will be an even taller order. Even with France missing regular starters in central defense, the visitors lack the creative personnel to exploit those gaps consistently.
