Turkey host France at the Kocaeli Stadyumu on Friday 25 September 2026 in the opening match of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. It is a landmark night for France, marking Zinédine Zidane's first game as head coach after replacing Didier Deschamps.
Kick-off Time and How to Watch
- Date: Friday 25 September 2026
- Kick-off: check local listings (11:45 PM Pakistan time)
- Venue: Yıldız Entegre Kocaeli Stadyumu, Turkey
- Competition: UEFA Nations League A, Group A1
Turkey: Form and Team News
Vincenzo Montella remains in charge of Turkey, who enter League A for the first time after winning promotion from League B. It has been an underwhelming year by their standards. They lost their first two games at the 2026 World Cup, saw their qualification depend on other results, and eventually exited before the knockout stages, though they did close their campaign with a 3-2 win over the USA.
Turkey are without Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kenan Yıldız through injury, both notable absences, but Real Madrid's Arda Güler is available and expected to start, with Barış Yılmaz likely through the middle.
France: Form and Team News
France head into this fixture under new management for the first time since 2012, with Zidane replacing the long-serving Deschamps after France, one of the tournament favourites, were knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual champions Spain and then lost 6-4 to England.
Zidane has already made his mark on the squad, handing first call-ups to five uncapped players, and Kylian Mbappé will captain the side. Aurélien Tchouaméni is missing through a groin injury, and Maghnes Akliouche has come in for the injured Warren Zaïre-Emery. Mbappé, who has scored 66 international goals, leads an attacking group that also includes Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué.
Head-to-Head Record
Turkey and France have met six times, with France winning four of the earliest meetings but Turkey taking the last two results: a win and a draw during Euro 2020 qualifying. Their most recent meeting, in October 2019, finished 1-1. France's last win in the fixture dates back to June 2009.
Group A1 at a Glance
Turkey, France, Italy and Belgium make up a tough Group A1, with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals. Turkey face Italy next on 28 September, while France travel to Belgium.
Prediction
Reports lean toward France, pointing to the quality in their squad, though Turkey have shown they can make matches like this close and have a strong recent home record in the fixture.
FAQ: Turkey vs France
When is Turkey vs France?
Friday 25 September 2026, at the Kocaeli Stadyumu in Turkey.
Is this Zinedine Zidane's first match as France coach?
Yes, his first game in charge since replacing Didier Deschamps in July 2026.
Who captains France?
Kylian Mbappé.
Who is out for Turkey?
Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kenan Yıldız are both injured.
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