FRANCE and Belgium clash in a battle of the heavyweights at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf tonight, with the winner progressing to the quarter-finals.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest, and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our partners for the Euro 2024 showdown.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

Free bets for France vs Belgium from our partners

• William Hill: Get your £60 in free bets when you stake a tenner on France vs Belgium – CLAIM HERE*

• Betfred: Free bets – Get £50 in free football bets when you bet on France vs Belgium – CLAIM HERE*

• BetMGM: Get £60 in free bets to spend on football, including France vs Belgium – CLAIM HERE*

• talkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets to spend on Euro 2024 when you stake a tenner on France vs Belgium – CLAIM HERE*

• Tote: Bet £10 on France vs Belgium to get £50 in bonuses – CLAIM HERE

• Ladbrokes: Bet £5 on France vs Belgium to get £20 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*

Already have these accounts? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more terrific deals with our partners!

France vs Belgium preview

France and Belgium are set to face off in a highly anticipated Euro 2024 last-16 knockout match tonight.

Ranked second and third respectively by FIFA, both teams surprisingly failed to top their groups.

France, under Didier Deschamps, didn’t lead their group in a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2012, managing only a victory over Austria thanks to an own goal. Belgium, on the other hand, lost a chaotic match to Slovakia, beat Romania, and drew 0-0 against Ukraine.

Neither team has shown their full potential in this competition so far and will be eager to make a statement, especially with a likely quarter-final match against Portugal looming.

EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS

Historically, Belgium have a better overall record against France, but recent encounters have favoured Les Bleus. France defeated Belgium 1-0 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final and won 3-2 in a UEFA Nations League semi-final in 2021.

Despite their struggles, Belgium rank joint-third for most efforts on target in the competition and have lost only one of their last 18 international matches.

Both teams are also strong defensively, with France conceding just three goals in eight qualification matches and Belgium close behind with four.

Combined, they have achieved eight shutouts in their last ten games. We could be set for another nervy last-16 encounter in Dusseldorf, folks.

1

France vs Belgium odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

France vs Belgium betting tips

Allez Les Bleus!

It’s tough to bet against France, and their Evens odds to win inside 90 minutes with William Hill are tempting.

Didier Deschamps’ team has reached the final in three of the last four World Cup and European Championships, winning all four previous major tournament matches against Belgium.

France have only conceded once, from a re-taken penalty due to Mike Maignan stepping off his line. They also boast the highest xG among last-16 teams and have more touches in the opposition penalty area than any other side in the tournament.

• France to win in 90 minutes at Evens with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Kylian them

France manager Didier Deschamps is poised to implement a new 4-4-2 diamond formation for tonight’s match.

Despite creating numerous chances, France have yet to score from open play in the competition. Deschamps hopes this tactical change will better utilise players like Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann.

But the main beneficiary is expected to be Kylian Mbappe, who has had six shots on target at Euro 2024, trailing only Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku.

With both teams known for their strong defences, the match could have limited opportunities. However, Mbappe, who has scored 48 goals in 81 appearances for France, is likely to capitalise on any chances. He is also the designated penalty taker and scored from the spot in his last head-to-head encounter against Belgium.

• Kylian Mbappe first goalscorer at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Offside

Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco is expected to stick with striker Romelu Lukaku for tonight’s crucial match.

The Belgian star has had a frustrating tournament, with three goals disallowed by VAR, twice for offside.

Lukaku, who has scored 85 goals for Belgium, will face a tough challenge against France’s centre-backs William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, who are both blessed with pace.

Belgium are anticipated to adopt a deep defensive stance, and that could result in numerous long passes aimed at Lukaku – increasing the likelihood of the 31-year-old being caught offside.

• Romelu Lukaku Over 1 Offside at 3/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk

*Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org

*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

*New customers only. Register with SUMMER50 between 31/05/24 – 14/07/24. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.

*TalkSPORT BET: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.

*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G50 on registration. £/€10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £/€10 Place). Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€20 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.

*Tote Euro 2024. Online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Opt-in required. £5 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater each England game of the Euros 2024 to qualify each time. One entry per customer per match. For each England goal scored within a 90-minute match throughout the tournament (extra time and penalties do not count), qualifying customers will be credited (within 24 hours) £1 Tote Credit to use on placepot. Free placepot subject to 7-day expiry. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.