France vs Belgium Prediction: Goals expected from both teams but France to qualify

France currently has a difficult matchup with Belgium in the round of 16 in the 2024 European Championship after failing to win Group D. Les Bleus could only finish runners-up to Austria after drawing with Poland, who had already been eliminated in their last group match. In their first three games, the tournament favourites have only managed two goals, one of which was an own goal and the other a penalty. They have been relatively ineffective in Germany thus far.

Despite having the strongest and most diverse team in the competition, Didier Deschamps' team is yet to break out of second gear. Their tournament might begin with a matchup with Belgium in the round of sixteen, which would be a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal.

Belgium has, after all, performed comparably poorly at Euro 2024. They also qualified in second place after losing to Slovakia in the initial game, winning over Romania, and playing a scoreless tie with Ukraine. Romelu Lukaku has been unlucky and ineffective up top, and Kevin De Bruyne hasn't been able to shore up any serious holes in the Belgium squad.

However, the fact that Belgium's back four, particularly Wout Faes and Jan Vertonghen, will find it difficult to contain Kylian Mbappe, is evident. That might be the deciding element. In order for Belgium to advance, they will need to hope that Kevin De Bruyne maintains the form that has been shown throughout this tournament and hopes for some variety in France's finishing. He has been the beating heart, performing as a nomadic No. 10. Players of his calibre are meant for moments like these, and his ability to hit his targets stands out in this instance.

After missing the match against the Netherlands due to a broken nose sustained against Austria, Kylian Mbappe made a comeback for France's last group match against Poland. In a 1-1 tie, he scored his first goal in any Euros with a skillfully executed penalty kick.

For France's match against Poland, Deschamps made few adjustments, and he shouldn't make many more for the encounter with Belgium. Though he was only given 30 minutes, Antoine Griezmann will return to the starting lineup on Monday.

France predicted lineup vs Belgium (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Griezmann, Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe, Thuram.

Throughout the competition, Belgium's defence has suffered from injuries, but they have finally welcomed back Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate to the team. But Domenico Tedesco might be missing Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel against France, as neither player has yet to play for Germany.

With two starts in a row, Youri Tielemans seems to have moved Orel Mangala down the rankings, leaving Johan Bakayoko and Lois Openda to ponder what they need to do to get starts in an underperforming Belgium front line.

Belgium's defence has suffered from injuries throughout the competition, but they have finally welcomed Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theatre back to the team. But Domenico Tedesco might be missing Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel against France, as neither player has yet to play for Germany.

With two starts in a row, Youri Tielemans seems to have moved Orel Mangala down the rankings, leaving Johan Bakayoko and Lois Openda to ponder what they need to do to get starts in an underperforming Belgium front line.

At Euro 2024, both France and Belgium were disappointed greatly. Despite the fact that their defences are strong, they have both had difficulty offensively, even if Belgium's personnel clearly lack strength in this area. Still, there is no denying who is the clear favourite in this one.

It would be audacious to wager against France making it to the quarterfinals on Monday; they have a stronger squad and a wealth of tournament experience that would almost surely see them through. They are the greatest international squad in Europe, despite their sluggish start. A slim win is expected for France.