Turkey are rooted to the foot of UEFA Nations League Group A1 after losing their opening two matches and will be aiming for a response when taking on second-placed Belgium at Stade Maurice Dufrasne on Friday.
Pressure is mounting on Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella, who has overseen a slow start to the Crescent Stars’ Nations League campaign after failing to steer them beyond the 2026 World Cup group stage.
But the need for an adjustment period in the Nations League’s top tier is perhaps understandable, given Turkey’s back-to-back promotions in the last two editions of the competition.
Belgium are more used to the level having held onto League A status since the inaugural Nations League in 2018/19.
And they can look back with quiet satisfaction on a run to the quarter-finals at the 2026 World Cup, despite attracting criticism for their shaky start to the tournament.
The Belgians have made no such slow start in the Nations League, with Mark van Bommel’s side having kicked off with an impressive 2-0 triumph away to Italy before being edged out 1-0 at home to France on matchday two.
Belgium v Turkey Tips Summary
Best Bet - Turkey or draw double chance @ 13/10
Alternative Bet - Arda Guler to score or assist @ 13/10
Bet Builder - Baris Yilmaz 1+ shots on target, Nicolas Raskin to be booked and Over 2 goals @ 15/2
Belgium v Turkey Prediction
Best Bet: Turkey or draw double chance @ 13/10
Turkey are playing catch up in Nations League Group A1 but they can take a step in the right direction by avoiding defeat against Belgium in Liege.
Top tier Nations League football can be an unforgiving environment and Turkey were unrewarded for a strong performance when losing 1-0 at home to France in the first of their six matches.
However, just three days after that honourable setback, Montella’s side allowed standards to slip in a 4-1 defeat at home to Italy.
Turkey’s difficult start to the Nations League mirrors their experience at the 2026 World Cup when they suffered an early elimination after losses to Australia (2-0) and Paraguay (1-0).
But the Crescent Stars came good in their final match, winning 3-2 against the United States, and they are talented enough to cause a few problems for the Belgians, who may be feeling the effects of the busy schedule.
Belgium gave a good account of themselves in Monday’s 1-0 loss at home to France, but it was a physically demanding fixture with a sting in the tail as Michael Olise’s 88th-minute goal settled the contest in favour of the away side.
Head coach Van Bommel may choose to shuffle the pack, but multiple changes could play into the hands of the Turks, who can put a first point or points on the board.
Alternative Bet: Arda Guler to score or assist @ 13/10
There is plenty of talent in the Turkish ranks, including Real Madrid attacking midfielder Arda Guler, who is accustomed to playing at a high level in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Guler had an effort on target in each of Turkey’s losses to France and Italy and he could deliver a goal or a key creative moment in Liege.
Belgium v Turkey Bet Builder Tip
Baris Yilmaz 1+ shots on target
Nicolas Raskin to be booked
Over 2 goals
Pays 15/2
Turkey have been encouraged by the recent improvement of Galatasaray attacker Baris Yilmaz, who has netted four times in nine appearances since the start of the year.
Yilmaz grabbed a consolation goal in Monday’s 4-1 loss at home to Italy and he can get an effort on target against the Belgians.
One of the changes to Belgium’s starting XI could involve Nicolas Raskin stepping in for Romeo Lavia, who was seen limping towards the end of the contest against France.
Raskin loves a tackle and could collect his second yellow card of the competition.
Both teams will be striving for the victory and they can deliver an entertaining spectacle, featuring a minimum of three goals.
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Key Match Stats
Belgium have kept one clean sheet in their last six fixtures
The Belgians have conceded the first goal in three of their last five games
Four of Belgium’s last six matches have generated at least three goals
Turkey have avoided defeat in nine of their last 13 fixtures
Turkey have won five of their last six away matches
Two of Turkey’s last three games have featured at least five goals
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
