France vs Belgium, Italy vs Türkiye, Northern Ireland vs Georgia: Nations League Matchday 4 Preview
The UEFA Nations League returns on Monday with several important fixtures, including France's meeting with Belgium, Italy's clash with Türkiye and Northern Ireland's home game against Georgia.
The three matches are part of Matchday 4 of the 2026-27 Nations League, with teams looking to strengthen their positions before the final two rounds of the league phase in November.
France face Belgium again in Paris
France host Belgium in a highly anticipated Group A1 encounter at the Stade de France.
The match comes only days after France defeated Belgium 1-0 in their previous meeting, with Michael Olise scoring a late winner. France then drew 1-1 with Italy, leaving them top of Group A1 on seven points. Belgium are second on six points.
Belgium will be without two key midfielders. Captain Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans are suspended after collecting yellow cards in successive matches.
De Bruyne had scored twice in Belgium's 3-0 victory over Türkiye before receiving his suspension. Romelu Lukaku also scored in that game, taking his international tally to 94 goals.
France will look to take advantage of home conditions and extend their lead at the top of the group, while Belgium need a strong result to keep pace with their rivals.
Italy take on Türkiye
Italy welcome Türkiye in another Group A1 fixture.
Italy started the Nations League campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Belgium but responded strongly by beating Türkiye 4-1 away. They then held France to a 1-1 draw in Paris.
Türkiye, meanwhile, have struggled in the group. They lost 4-1 to Italy before suffering another heavy defeat, going down 3-0 to Belgium.
Italy therefore enter the match with four points, while Türkiye are still searching for their first points in Group A1.
The Italian side will be hoping to continue its recovery, while Türkiye face a difficult challenge against a team that has regained momentum after its opening defeat.
Northern Ireland meet Georgia
Northern Ireland host Georgia in Group B2.
Northern Ireland have made an unbeaten start to the group phase. They defeated Georgia 1-0 in their opening match, drew 0-0 with Hungary and then produced a strong 3-0 victory away to Ukraine.
Georgia have had a tougher campaign. After losing 1-0 to Northern Ireland, they drew 0-0 with Ukraine and then lost 1-0 to Hungary.
Northern Ireland will therefore enter the match with confidence, while Georgia need points to revive their campaign.
What is at stake
The fourth matchday is an important stage of the Nations League because only two league-phase rounds remain after this round.
France and Belgium are competing closely at the top of Group A1, while Italy are attempting to close the gap. In Group B2, Northern Ireland are also well placed after their unbeaten start.
The Nations League league phase continues through November, with the final rounds scheduled for November 12-17. The League A quarter-finals and promotion/relegation play-offs will take place in March 2027.
Source attribution: UEFA, Reuters, The Guardian.