Belgium delivered the kind of response they desperately needed. After a late defeat to France in their previous outing, the Red Devils bounced back in style on Friday with a commanding 3-0 win over Turkey at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in the third round of the 2027 UEFA Nations League group stage.
The result was built on experience, control and ruthless finishing. Kevin De Bruyne scored twice, Romelu Lukaku added the third off the bench, and Belgium moved into a strong position in Group One with a key clash against France still to come.
De Bruyne sets the tone early
Belgium wasted little time taking control. De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 10th minute, beating a defender before placing a low shot beyond the Turkish goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.
That early strike changed the mood of the evening immediately. Turkey were forced to chase the game, while Belgium settled into a rhythm that made them look far more assured than in their previous outing.
A captain’s performance in all but name
De Bruyne was not finished there. On the hour mark, the Napoli midfielder doubled Belgium’s lead with a stunning effort from outside the box, a shot the goalkeeper had no real chance of stopping. It was the type of goal that underlined both his quality and Belgium’s growing control.
His brace turned the match from a useful lead into a statement victory. In a group where every point matters, Belgium showed they still have the firepower to punish any lapse in concentration.
Lukaku adds the finishing touch
Romelu Lukaku ensured there would be no late anxiety. Introduced from the bench, he made an immediate impact in the 76th minute, turning in a low cross with his right foot to make it 3-0 and end the contest as a contest.
That goal was classic Lukaku: simple, powerful and decisive. Belgium did not just win; they controlled the game from the opening minutes and closed it out with the authority expected from a side chasing the top spot in the group.
“Belgium needed a reaction, and they found one with maturity, pace and efficiency,” was the clear message from this performance.
What the result means for Group One
The victory lifts Belgium to six points, placing them second in Group One and just one point behind France ahead of their mouthwatering meeting next Monday. That showdown now carries even more weight, with the group race suddenly looking wide open.
Belgium also sit above Italy, who are third on four points, meaning the Azzurri are now under pressure to avoid losing ground in the race for a semi-final spot. The standings have tightened at the top, and Belgium’s win has shifted the balance considerably.
Turkey left searching for answers
For Turkey, the picture is much more troubling. This was their third defeat in a row, and they remain bottom of the group without a point. The challenge now is not only to recover form, but to stop the slide before the campaign moves beyond repair.
The margin of defeat also reflects the difference in sharpness between the two sides. Belgium took their chances, protected their advantage, and finished strongly, while Turkey struggled to create enough threat to change the direction of the match.
| Team | Points | Group Position | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 7 | 1st | Unbeaten |
| Belgium | 6 | 2nd | Win over Turkey |
| Italy | 4 | 3rd | Under pressure |
| Turkey | 0 | 4th | Three straight losses |
Belgium’s big names deliver when it matters
There was a sense that this was the kind of game Belgium had to win to stay in the hunt, and their senior players answered that call. De Bruyne delivered the match-defining moments, Lukaku provided the final blow, and the team as a whole looked far more decisive than they did in the narrow loss to France.
If Belgium can carry this level into their next match, they will head into the decisive phase of the group with real momentum. For now, the message is clear: the Red Devils are not going away quietly, and they still have plenty to say in this Nations League group.
