France Start Zidane Period In opposition to Turkey in Nations League Conflict

September 24, 2026
1:03 pm

France will start a brand new period beneath Zinedine Zidane after they journey to face Turkey within the UEFA Nations League on Friday evening.

Zidane has taken cost of Les Bleus following the departure of long-serving head coach Didier Deschamps, who was unable to information France to World Cup glory throughout his tenure. The previous Actual Madrid boss now faces the duty of overseeing the subsequent stage of France’s worldwide growth.

France completed fourth on the 2026 World Cup after struggling a semi-final defeat to eventual champions Spain earlier than dropping 6-4 to England within the third-place playoff. Because of this, they enter the Nations League following successive defeats.

Turkey endured a disappointing World Cup marketing campaign. Vincenzo Montella’s aspect have been competing on the event for the primary time since 2002 however have been eradicated within the group stage after defeats to Austria and Paraguay. They did, nevertheless, finish their marketing campaign with a victory over the US.

The Crescent-Stars now face a troublesome Nations League group alongside France, Italy and Belgium. Their schedule begins with consecutive residence matches towards France and Italy earlier than away journeys to Belgium and Italy in October.

France have loved the higher report in earlier conferences, profitable 4 of their six encounters with Turkey. The hosts have solely defeated Les Bleus as soon as, securing a 2-0 victory in a Euro 2020 qualifier in June 2019.

France beforehand received the Nations League within the 2020-21 marketing campaign, defeating Spain within the remaining, whereas they completed third within the 2024-25 version.

Crew Information

Turkey will likely be with out two important attacking and midfield choices, with Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz dominated out by way of damage.

Their absences might result in modifications in Montella’s midfield and assault. Salih Ozcan is predicted to profit from Calhanoglu’s absence within the centre of the pitch, whereas Actual Madrid’s Arda Guler stays obtainable and may play an essential position within the hosts’ attacking plans.

Baris Yilmaz is more likely to function by way of the center, with Kerem Akturkoglu additionally anticipated to characteristic within the remaining third. Merih Demiral ought to present expertise on the coronary heart of the Turkish defence.

France even have a number of absentees forward of Zidane’s first aggressive match. William Saliba is unavailable by way of damage, whereas Aurelien Tchouameni has been omitted after experiencing health issues at the start of the marketing campaign.

Ibrahima Konate has additionally withdrawn from the squad due to a knee downside, leading to Manchester United defender Leny Yoro receiving a call-up.

Eduardo Camavinga might begin in midfield, whereas Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert might earn solely his second senior worldwide look at left-back.

Kylian Mbappe stays France’s essential attacking menace after scoring 66 targets for his nation. The captain is predicted to guide the assault, with Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Need Doue additionally pushing for beginning positions.