Türkiye is set to kick off its UEFA Nations League campaign with a challenging match against France on Friday at Kocaeli Stadium. This marks Türkiye’s return to League A, a level of the competition they have not participated in since the Nations League’s inception in 2018. Under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Montella, Türkiye is aiming to bounce back from a lackluster 2026 World Cup showing.
The French team, now led by new head coach Zinedine Zidane, presents a formidable opening opponent. This match also signifies the start of a new era for France following Didier Deschamps’ departure. Historically, Türkiye has struggled against France, achieving only one victory in their past six encounters—a 2-0 win during the European Championship qualifiers in 2019.
Türkiye may face additional challenges with midfielder Orkun Kökçü doubtful for Friday’s match after missing training due to a toe injury. The team is also expected to introduce several players who have recently earned their first senior call-ups, potentially adding new dynamics to their lineup.
France’s squad boasts high-profile players, including captain Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué. However, Mbappé’s participation could be in question as he missed a training session because of flu-like symptoms. France is also managing fitness concerns with other players, which could impact their performance.
Both nations are competing in Group A1, alongside Italy and Belgium. Following the match against France, Türkiye will host Italy on September 28 before traveling for away games in Belgium and Italy in October. This opener will set the tone for Türkiye’s campaign as they navigate through a group filled with European powerhouses.