CHARLEROI, Belgium (Interstat) — The Belgian First Amateur Division kicks off its new campaign Sunday with Royal Charleroi B hosting K.S.K. Tienen at Stade de la Neuville.

The match marks the start of the 2026 season for both clubs, with the hosts looking to leverage home-field advantage and a favorable statistical projection. According to Interstat’s ELO rating system, Royal Charleroi B enters with a 60.60 percent probability to win.

However, the same analytics firm’s game simulator predicts a narrow 1-0 victory for the visiting side, listed as Sporting Charleroi II in its model, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the season opener.

Royal Charleroi B last played on Sept. 21, 2025, securing a 2-2 draw at home against Excelsior Virton. The extended break since their last competitive action adds an element of unknown regarding their match readiness.

Tienen arrives having played more recently, but seeking to reverse a losing trend. Their last outing resulted in a 2-0 away defeat to Royal Antwerp II on Nov. 2, 2025. Their previous away match before that was a 3-1 loss to Westhoek on Aug. 17, 2025.

The matchup presents a classic contrast between the reserve side of a professional club, Royal Charleroi B, and an independent senior team in Tienen. The hosts will aim to control possession and implement a structured style, while Tienen will be desperate to secure points on the road and improve upon recent form.

Key for Tienen will be finding offensive production after being shut out in their last contest. Royal Charleroi B’s defense, which conceded two goals in its last match, will look to start the season with a cleaner sheet.

Kickoff is set for Sunday afternoon at Stade de la Neuville. The result will provide an early indicator of each team’s trajectory in the third tier of Belgian football.