Belgium claimed a vital away victory in Izmir, turning the match on its head in the span of three remarkable minutes to bolster their UEFA Nations League campaign and lock in a Pot 1 spot for the upcoming European Championship qualifying draw.

Despite starting the contest brightly on the front foot, the visitors fell behind to a stunning free-kick from Arda Güler. Kevin De Bruyne and his teammates responded swiftly, however, as Jérémy Doku sparked a devastating counter-attacking surge that allowed De Bruyne to level the score before Charles De Ketelaere struck moments later to put the Red Devils ahead.

Belgium managed the second half with discipline and composure, relying on several crucial saves from goalkeeper Senne Lammens to preserve their narrow advantage under late pressure. The hard-fought triumph lifts Belgium above Italy in their Nations League group standings, placing qualification for the quarter-finals firmly in their own hands ahead of Sunday’s decisive showdown against the Azzurri.

UEFA Nations League 2026-27

Türkiye - Belgium 1-2 (1-2)
Goals: Güler A., 20 (1-0); De Bruyne, 27 (1-1); De Ketelaere, 30 (1-2)

Türkiye: Çakir U.; Demiral; Kabak; Yüksek (Özcan Sa., 70); Kökçü (Çalhanoğlu, 58); Güler A.; Akgün Y.; Kadioglu; Ünal E. (Gül D., 58); Aydin O. (Çelik, 70); Yılmaz B. (Uzun, 80)
Substitution: Çalhanoğlu (from 58); Gül D. (from 58); Çelik (from 70); Özcan Sa. (from 70); Uzun (from 80)
Bench: Destanoglu; Özer; Topçu E.; Kaplan A.; Elmali; Fakili; Eskihellaç
Yellow Cards: Kabak 32; Yüksek 50

Belgium: Lammens; Castagne; Mechele; De Cuyper; Ngoy N.; Tielemans; Moreira D. (Lukebakio, 68); De Bruyne (Trossard, 69); De Ketelaere (Cuypers, 80); Raskin (Vanaken, 90); Doku J. (Godts, 80)
Substitution: Lukebakio (from 68); Trossard (from 69); Godts (from 80); Cuypers (from 80); Vanaken (from 90)
Bench: Vandevoordt; Penders; Sabbe; Kongolo; Seys; Theate; Keita M.