Belgium vs Turkey – News and Probable Lineups

Belgium will look to get back to winning ways in the UEFA Nations League as they continue their 2026-27 campaign against Turkey at home this Friday evening.

The hosts currently sit in second place in Group 1 of League A, trailing leaders France by three points, while Turkey occupies fourth place after losing their first two matches in the tournament.

Match overview

Belgium started their Nations League journey with a 2-0 win over Italy, but they will come into this matchup after a 1-0 loss to France.

The Red Devils have garnered three points in Group 1 of League A, three behind France, and they have two additional matches during this international window, concluding with an away fixture against France on October 5.

Mark van Bommel’s team has made a solid start to their Nations League campaign considering the formidable opponents they have faced.

Belgium has consistently participated in League A of this competition, achieving their best result in the 2020-21 season, where they finished in fourth place.

The Red Devils have squared off against Turkey in 11 prior meetings, recording three victories, five draws, and three defeats against their rivals this Friday.

Turkey’s last two matchups with Belgium took place during the Euro 2012 qualifying phase, with Turkey winning the home leg 3-2, while the return match ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Belgium has found success in only one of their last seven encounters with these opponents, a statistic that may boost Turkey’s confidence leading into the match.

Vincenzo Montella’s squad has struggled at the beginning of their 2026-27 Nations League campaign, starting with a 1-0 defeat at home to France, followed by a 4-1 loss to Italy in their most recent outing.

Turkey sits at the bottom of Group 1 in League A with zero points, creating urgency to perform well in their upcoming fixtures against Belgium and Italy.

The Crescent-Stars were in League C during the 2022-23 season and League B in the 2024-25 season, so being in League A represents a significant step forward, and avoiding relegation would be a major accomplishment.

Belgium Nations League form:

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Belgium form (all competitions):

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Turkey Nations League form:

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Turkey form (all competitions):

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Team News

Belgium will be missing Diego Moreira on Friday due to suspension after he received a significant booking in the match against France.

Romeo Lavia’s fitness will need to be evaluated, having been substituted late in the last match against France, while Mike Penders will also undergo a late fitness test for the home side.

Dodi Lukebakio is anticipated to benefit from Moreira’s absence, while Kevin De Bruyne is expected to start in an attacking role.

Thibaut Courtois and Jeremy Doku are significant absentees from the Belgium lineup.

On the Turkish side, goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir will return after serving his suspension.

Abdulkerim Bardakci and Ferdi Kadioglu are both likely to return to the starting XI following the heavy loss to Italy in their previous match.

Turkey will once again rely on Real Madrid star Arda Guler for creativity in this fixture, and Baris Yilmaz is expected to start through the middle.

Belgium probable starting XI:

Lammens; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, Seys; Tielemans, Lavia; Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Godts; De Ketelaere

Turkey probable starting XI:

Cakir; Celik, Bardakci, Kabak; Aydin, Ozcan, Kokcu, Kadioglu; Guler, Yilmaz, Uzun

Turkey certainly has the ability to make this a challenging match for Belgium, but the expectation is that the hosts will find a way to secure all three points.