One swing of Kevin De Bruyne's right boot turned a tense night into a statement. Belgium's 3-0 win over Türkiye moved them to six points in Nations League Group 1, one behind leaders France, and left the visitors bottom with zero.
De Bruyne ignites Belgium with early opener
The captain set the tone in the 10th minute, playing a one-two with Dodi Lukebakio before rolling a side-footed finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. It was his 127th senior international appearance, and he marked it with the kind of composure that has defined his career.
Türkiye responded with intent, piling up 23 total shots to Belgium's 17 across the match. But the hosts were more efficient where it mattered, converting three of their ten shots on target while the visiting attack repeatedly failed to find a clinical edge.
De Bruyne doubles down with curling strike
De Bruyne struck again in the 59th minute, this time letting fly from outside the box with a curling effort that nestled into the top corner. Youri Tielemans provided the assist, and the goal broke whatever resistance remained in the Turkish ranks.
Five minutes later, the away section made its discontent clear. Chants of "Montella istifa" echoed through the Stade Maurice Dufrasne as the reality of a third consecutive Nations League defeat set in for Türkiye.
Lukaku seals it as Türkiye's problems deepen
Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring in the 76th minute, steering home a low Charles De Ketelaere cross from close range with his right foot. It was his 94th international goal, a milestone that underscored Belgium's attacking depth.
There was a debut for İlhan Fakılı in the Türkiye side, a bright note in an otherwise difficult evening. But the suspensions of Arda Güler and Barış Alper Yılmaz, both booked for the third time in the campaign, rule them out of the away match against Italy.
Belgium's night was not flawless. The hosts conceded five corners and were outshot overall, yet their defensive block held firm enough to record a first clean sheet this season. The result leaves Türkiye with eight goals conceded from three games and a growing sense that qualification is already slipping away.
Montella, meanwhile, faces questions that are no longer confined to the terraces. A trip to Italy next offers little comfort for a side still searching for its first point.
Match Information
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Date & Time: Friday 2 October 2026, 20:45 CET
Venue: Stade Maurice Dufrasne, Liege
Referee: Rohit Saggi
