France came from behind to defeat Belgium 4-1 in a UEFA Nations League match on Monday, maintaining coach Zinedine Zidane’s unbeaten record and moving closer to securing a quarter-final spot. The match, held in Paris, saw Belgium take an early lead through Dodi Lukebakio’s first-half goal, putting them on course for their first competitive win over France since 1981.

However, France responded dramatically in the final stages of the game, scoring four times in the last 13 minutes. Desire Doue leveled with a low shot from the edge of the box before Michael Olise played a key role in the turnaround. Olise, who has been an influential figure in Zidane’s squad despite limited starts, assisted Rayan Cherki for the go-ahead goal and then added two late goals of his own, including one in stoppage time to complete the comeback. All four goals for the hosts were scored by substitutes.

Olise described the team’s resilience after the victory, noting the difficult first half but emphasizing the group’s determination to follow Zidane’s tactical approach. France currently leads Group A1 with a three-point advantage over Italy, with Belgium trailing by one point. The group phase concludes with France facing Italy away and Turkey at home in the coming month.

In other Group A1 action, Italy continued their positive run under Roberto Mancini with a 3-1 home victory over Turkey in Bologna. Gianluca Scamacca gave Italy an early lead, but Turkey equalized through Aral Simsir shortly after the hour mark. Italy secured the win with late goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Pio Esposito. Mancini acknowledged the team’s fatigue but praised their ability to respond effectively after conceding. Italy, rebuilding after missing the last three World Cups, currently sit second in the group and will likely need to contest their position with Belgium.

Elsewhere in the Nations League, Northern Ireland maintained their lead in Group B2 despite a goalless draw against Georgia in Belfast. The match featured a crucial save by Georgia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who denied Northern Ireland’s Isaac Price on a late penalty attempt.

In Group B2, Hungary edged closer with a 2-1 victory over Ukraine in a match held in Slovakia. Meanwhile, in Group B4, Sweden moved two points clear at the top following a 1-0 win over Romania, courtesy of striker Viktor Gyokeres, who extended his scoring streak to seven consecutive Nations League games. Bosnia and Herzegovina remain in contention after a narrow 1-0 victory against Poland.

With key matches still to be played, the Nations League tables continue to be closely contested across multiple groups as teams aim to secure spots in the next stage of the competition.