De Bruyne suspended for final Nations League fixture but early Napoli return undecided
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - SEPTEMBER 28: Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium signals during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Belgium and France at Stade Roi Baudouin on September 28, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Kevin De Bruyne will not be able to feature in Belgium’s final Nations League fixture of the September-October international break through suspension, but it has not yet been confirmed whether he will be allowed to return to Napoli ahead of schedule.
De Bruyne suspended for final Belgium match of the international break
De Bruyne scored a brace as Belgium claimed a 3-0 victory at home against Turkey in their third Nations League fixture of the 2026-27 campaign on Friday evening, but also picked up a booking which means that he is now suspended.
In the Nations League, players have to serve a one-match suspension after picking up an even-number of yellow cards i.e. after their second, fourth and sixth bookings. De Bruyne was carded in Belgium’s 1-0 defeat against France on Monday evening and again against Turkey on Friday.
This means that he will not be eligible to feature when Belgium take on France at the Stade de France on Monday evening (October 5).
Massimiliano Allegri might be hoping that this means De Bruyne is allowed to leave the Belgium camp ahead of schedule and return to Castel Volturno to resume training with Napoli ahead of their next Serie A match against the high-flying Frosinone on October 10.
However, the decision ultimately lies with Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel and the Belgian FA, who have not yet publicly confirmed whether or not De Bruyne will be allowed to leave the camp.
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