Soccer heavyweights France and Belgium meet Monday in what is expected to be one of the best games in the round of 16 at Euro 2024. France enter this match after finishing Group D with a win and two draws, while Belgium was fortunate to advance after a scoreless draw with Ukraine in the final group stage match. France defeated Belgium 1-0 in the 2018 World Cup semifinal and also had a win over its neighbor in the 2021 UEFA Nations League semifinal.
Here’s what you need to know for the match, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
France v. Belgium
Date: Monday, July 1
Time: 12 p.m. ET
TV channel: Fox
Livestream: fuboTV, Foxsports.com
Moneyline odds (regular time)
France: -105
Draw: +220
Belgium: +350
Odds to advance
France: -215
Belgium: +170
Moneyline pick: France -105
Pick to advance: France -215
Neither team looked particularly great in the group stage but France’s performances can be somewhat excused with the injury to Kylian Mbappe. Belgium bounced back from a rough opening loss to beat Romania, but the 0-0 draw against Ukraine to advance as the runner-up in the group was pitiful. Romelu Lukuka has been unfortunate with VAR, which isn’t going to keep happening. And Belgium does have the talent to go toe to toe with France.
Mbappe is expected to play with a facemask, and France doesn’t have any other injuries. Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier remain sidelined for Belgium but there are no other absences. Dodi Lukebakio returns from a one-game suspension for this match.
This is likely Belgium’s last opportunity to achieve something with this generation of players. Most of the squad will likely be involved at the 2026 World Cup but age could lead to decline. It’s tempting to pick them but they haven’t beaten France in a key match lately. With Mbappe back and no other issues, I think the layoff helps France regain focus and defeat Belgium in regular time.