Türkiye is set to face a formidable challenge as it takes on France in its UEFA Nations League opener on Friday at Kocaeli Stadium. This match marks Türkiye’s return to League A for the first time since the competition began in 2018, presenting an early test against a reinvigorated French side under the guidance of new head coach Zinedine Zidane.
Having suffered a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, Türkiye is eager to start strong in the Nations League. However, history is not on their side; Türkiye has managed only one victory against France in their six previous encounters, with the sole win occurring during a 2019 European Championship qualifier.
As the match approaches, Türkiye faces uncertainty surrounding the fitness of midfielder Orkun Kökçü, who is doubtful after missing training due to a toe injury. The team is also expected to feature several players making their senior debuts, adding an element of unpredictability to their lineup.
On the other side, France enters the match with a star-studded squad, including captain Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué. Despite missing a training session due to flu-like symptoms, Mbappé remains a key figure for the team. France, however, is not without its own challenges, as they grapple with fitness concerns affecting several players.
Both teams are part of Group A1, which also includes Italy and Belgium. Following this opening clash, Türkiye will host Italy on September 28 before traveling to face Belgium and Italy in October, setting the stage for a competitive group phase in the Nations League.