Belgium expected to stick with settled side for Nations League meeting with Turkey

Belgium are expected to rely on a familiar line-up when they host Turkey in the third round of the Nations League group stage on Friday, 2 October 2026.

The match will be played at Stade Maurice Dufrasne, with Mark van Bommel likely to keep faith with the team that has performed well in recent matches. Turkey arrive out of form, while Belgium have several selection decisions to resolve before kick-off.

Senne Lammens should start in goal in the absence of Courtois. Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele are set to continue at the heart of the defence, having formed a solid partnership since the World Cup.

Timothy Castagne and Joaquin Seys are expected to complete the back four. In midfield, Romeo Lavia is likely to partner Youri Tielemans, combining defensive balance with experience.

Dodi Lukebakio should replace the suspended Diego Moreira on the wing. Kevin De Bruyne and Mika Godts are also expected to feature in the attacking midfield positions, while Charles De Ketelaere is set to lead the line ahead of Lukaku.

Lukaku could nevertheless be introduced during the match.

Belgium’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens

Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Joaquin Seys

Midfielders: Romeo Lavia, Youri Tielemans

Attacking midfielders: Dodi Lukebakio, Kevin De Bruyne, Mika Godts

Forward: Charles De Ketelaere

Turkey missing key attacking options

Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella is expected to retain a three-man defensive system for the game. Merih Demiral and Ozan Kabak should form part of the back three, with their physical strength viewed as important against Belgium’s pace.

Oguz Aydın and Eren Elmalı are likely to operate as wing-backs, providing width in possession. Orkun Kokcu and Salih Ozcan should provide the central midfield pairing and help maintain the team’s balance.

Arda Guler remains Turkey’s main creative threat. He is expected to play behind or alongside Can Uzun and Barıs Alper Yılmaz in attack.

Montella will have to adjust his plans because Calhanoglu and Kenan Yıldız are both unavailable through injury. Their absences leave Turkey with a side combining emerging players and more experienced figures.

Turkey’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Altay Bayındır

Defenders: Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak

Midfielders: Oguz Aydın, Orkun Kokcu, Salih Ozcan, Eren Elmalı

Attackers: Arda Guler, Barıs Alper Yılmaz, Can Uzun

The fixture is Belgium’s third group-stage match in the Nations League, with the hosts looking to take advantage of Turkey’s current difficulties.