France began a new chapter under Zinedine Zidane with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Türkiye in the opening match of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League on Friday, September 25, at Kocaeli Stadium in İzmit. Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal in the second half after receiving a pass from Michael Olise, giving France three points in Zidane's first competitive match as national-team coach. However, the victory was overshadowed by an injury concern involving the France captain.
Zidane Starts His France Era with Victory
The match marked Zidane's first competitive game as France coach following his appointment as successor to Didier Deschamps. The former France captain began his tenure with a squad featuring several of the country's established stars, including Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise.
France controlled significant portions of the match, but Türkiye remained competitive and created opportunities of its own. Neither side could find the breakthrough before half-time, with the opening 45 minutes ending goalless. The visitors eventually found the decisive moment after the interval, securing a winning start for Zidane.
Mbappé Scores 67th International Goal Before Injury
The breakthrough arrived in the 54th minute when Michael Olise found Mbappé, who fired a low shot into the net to put France ahead. The goal was another milestone for the France captain, taking his international tally to 67 goals and further extending his record as France's all-time leading scorer.
However, the celebration quickly turned into concern. Mbappé appeared to hurt his left knee while taking the shot and was eventually replaced by Désiré Doué. French officials indicated that Mbappé had suffered a knee-tendon injury and would return to Madrid for treatment. Zidane subsequently said France would not take unnecessary risks with its captain.
Türkiye Pushes France Until the Final Whistle
Türkiye continued to search for an equaliser after falling behind, with Vincenzo Montella's side encouraged by the home crowd. The hosts tested France's defence and remained competitive despite being unable to convert their opportunities. France eventually gained greater control of the closing stages.
Türkiye's task became even more difficult when goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was sent off for handling the ball outside his penalty area following a VAR review. Despite the setback, Türkiye continued to compete until the final whistle, but France held on to secure the victory.
France Leave İzmit with Three Points
For Zidane, the result provides a winning beginning to his tenure, although the performance also showed areas that France can continue to refine. The victory gives France three points at the start of its Nations League campaign, but the immediate focus will now shift toward Mbappé's condition and the team's upcoming fixture against Belgium.
For Türkiye, the narrow defeat demonstrated that Montella's side could compete with one of Europe's leading national teams, despite ultimately leaving the match without a point.
Final Score and Match Details
Türkiye 0–1 France
Goal: Kylian Mbappé — 54'
Assist: Michael Olise
Half-time: 0–0
Venue: Kocaeli Stadium, İzmit
Competition: UEFA Nations League 2026/27
France coach: Zinedine Zidane
Türkiye coach: Vincenzo Montella
France leave Türkiye with the result they wanted, but the condition of their captain will remain the immediate concern. For Zidane, meanwhile, his France coaching career has begun with victory — and plenty to consider before the team's next challenge.
