Belgium secured a 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Turkiye on 13 November 2026, producing a composed second-half comeback in a match that combined early Turkish energy with Belgian control and cutting edge. The result gives Belgium three important points in the Nations League campaign and leaves Turkiye to reflect on a promising opening that ultimately slipped away.

Match overview

Turkiye began with the kind of intensity their home support has come to expect, pressing high and forcing Belgium into hurried passes at the back. The early tempo paid off when Arda Guler found space just outside the penalty area and curled a low effort beyond the reach of the Belgian goalkeeper to make it 1-0. It was a goal that lifted the crowd and gave Turkiye a platform to dictate the first half.

Belgium, however, grew into the contest as the half wore on. Their midfield began to find angles around Turkiye’s press, and the equaliser arrived after the break when Leandro Trossard timed his run into the box perfectly to convert a low cross from the right. From that moment, the momentum shifted firmly toward the visitors.

Key moments

• 23rd minute: Arda Guler opens the scoring for Turkiye with a precise finish from the edge of the area.
• 56th minute: Leandro Trossard equalises for Belgium after a well-worked move down the right flank.
• 78th minute: Romelu Lukaku scores the winner, holding off his marker and finishing clinically inside the box.
• Late pressure: Turkiye push bodies forward in the final ten minutes, but Belgium defend their lead with maturity.

Tactical story

The match was a contest between Turkiye’s aggressive first-half pressing and Belgium’s ability to adjust. Turkiye tried to win the ball high and attack quickly through the central channels, and for long spells that approach unsettled Belgium. But once Belgium settled into a rhythm, their midfield triangle started to dominate possession and create overloads in wide areas.

Belgium’s second-half improvement was built on patience. They stopped forcing passes through the middle and instead stretched Turkiye from side to side, drawing the home side out of shape before attacking the spaces behind the full-backs. The winning goal was a clear example: a controlled build-up, a quick switch of play, and a decisive finish from one of Europe’s most experienced strikers.

Standout players

Romelu Lukaku produced the decisive moment and led the line with physical authority, while Leandro Trossard was Belgium’s most persistent creative threat. In midfield, Belgium’s ability to recycle possession under pressure proved crucial. For Turkiye, Arda Guler was the standout, combining technical quality with the confidence to take responsibility in the final third. Their goalkeeper also made several important saves to keep the scoreline close until the closing stages.

Nations League impact

The 2-1 win strengthens Belgium’s position in the UEFA Nations League group and gives them valuable momentum ahead of their next fixtures. For Turkiye, the defeat is a reminder of how fine the margins can be at this level: they matched Belgium for long periods but were punished for a short lapse in concentration after the interval. The result leaves Turkiye needing a response in their next outing, while Belgium can take confidence from a professional away performance.