Belgium must beat Italy to reach Nations League quarter-finals

Belgium face Italy in the decisive sixth round of the Nations League group stage on Sunday, with Roberto Martinez’s side needing victory in Brussels to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

Italy, joint leaders of Group A with France, need only a draw at the Stade Roi Baudouin to secure their place in the last eight. Belgium are third in the group and will be encouraged by their 2-1 victory in Turkey on Thursday.

The match begins at 19:45 GMT on Sunday, 15 November 2026.

In France, the game will be shown on La chaine L’Equipe. Coverage is also available on Ziggo Sport 3 in the Netherlands, beIN Sports in the MENA region, Canal+ Sport in sub-Saharan Africa, Prime Video, fuboTV and ViX in the United States, Amazon Prime Video in the United Kingdom, beIN Sports in Australia, Rai 1 in Italy, and VTM, VTM GO and DAZN in Belgium.

Italy hold the historical advantage

Italy have dominated the fixture over the years, winning 17 of the 27 meetings since 1913. There have been five draws and five Belgium victories, with Italy scoring 50 goals to Belgium’s 30, according to Transfermarkt statistics.

However, Belgium ended a long wait for a competitive victory over the Azzurri in the reverse fixture in Rome in September 2026. Their 2-0 win was their first against Italy in an official competition since 1972.

Recent encounters between the two nations have otherwise remained closely contested.

Form favours Italy

Italy are unbeaten in their past four matches, recording three wins and one draw. They strengthened their position with an impressive 3-1 victory over France on Thursday, as Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice and Davide Frattesi added the other goal.

The Azzurri have scored 11 goals during their recent run and have not lost since their defeat by Belgium in the first meeting between the sides.

Belgium’s form has been less consistent, with three victories and two defeats in their last five games. Both losses came against France, with the first ending 1-0 and the second 4-1.

They responded with a 2-1 win away to Turkey on Thursday. Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere scored for the Red Devils.

Italy’s result against France means they can progress with a point in Brussels, while Belgium have no alternative but to win. The hosts’ success in Turkey could give them momentum, but their need for victory is likely to make the contest an open one.

The Africafoot prediction is a 1-1 draw.

The published odds from 1xbet list Belgium at 1.98 to win, a draw at 3.40 and an Italy victory at 2.95.