Zidane begins France tenure against Turkey in Nations League

Zinedine Zidane made his debut as France coach on September 25, 2026, in a UEFA Nations League match against Turkey at Kocaeli Stadium in İzmit. The 54-year-old former Real Madrid manager replaced Didier Deschamps after France's fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, fielding six uncapped players alongside established stars including captain Kylian Mbappé.

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France vs Turkey UEFA Nations League Group 1 match
Zidane's coaching debut with France
Deschamps replaced after 14 years in charge
Six uncapped players included in squad
Mbappé confirmed as captain and fit to play

Zinedine Zidane made his coaching debut with France on September 25, 2026, in a UEFA Nations League Group 1 match against Turkey at Kocaeli Stadium in İzmit. The fixture marked the start of a new era for Les Bleus, following Zidane's appointment in July after Didier Deschamps stepped down following 14 years in charge, during which France won the 2018 World Cup and reached the 2022 final.

The 54-year-old Zidane, who had been out of club football since leaving Real Madrid in June 2021 where he won three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, expressed deep emotion ahead of the match. "I feel even more emotional than I did ahead of my first game as a player," Zidane said at a pre-match press conference. "I have been waiting four or five years for this day. I am filled with emotion, I am really excited." He described the upcoming challenge as significant despite acknowledging high expectations given his achievements as both player and coach.

Zidane included six uncapped players in his squad: striker Esteban Lepaul of Rennes, defenders Leny Yoro of Manchester United and Jeremy Jacquet of Liverpool, midfielder Lucas Da Cunha of Como, Andy Diouf of Inter Milan, and goalkeeper Guillaume Restes of Toulouse. Captain Kylian Mbappé, France's all-time top scorer, was confirmed as fit to play after recovering from a minor illness earlier in the week. The squad also featured established stars including Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and N'Golo Kanté, though defensive injuries forced the absence of William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté.

Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella since 2023, sought to bounce back from a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign where they finished last in their group. The hosts were missing key midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu and winger Kenan Yıldız through injury but could rely on playmaker Arda Güler, whom Zidane specifically praised, and striker Barış Alper Yılmaz. Bookmakers favored France, with betting odds placing a French victory at 1.35 compared to Turkey's 9.00, reflecting France's status as favorites.

The match opened a challenging international window for both teams. France faced Belgium away on September 30 before hosting Italy on October 2 and Belgium again on October 5, all at Stade de France except the Belgium away fixture. Turkey's schedule included a home match against Italy the following Monday.

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#soccer #Didier Deschamps #Vincenzo Montella #Zinedine Zidane #UEFA Nations League #international football #Nations League Group 1 #İzmit #Turkey #France national team

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Zidane's appointment and debut reshape France's coaching structure after 14 years of continuity under Deschamps and a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. The Nations League match serves as the first measurable test of Zidane's tactical approach with a squad featuring both established stars (Mbappé, Dembélé, Kanté) and six uncapped players. France's performance in this group-stage fixture and subsequent matches against Belgium and Italy will determine competitive momentum heading into the 2028 World Cup cycle; betting markets have priced France as heavy favorites (1.35 odds vs. Turkey's 9.00), placing immediate pressure on results. Turkey, under Vincenzo Montella since 2023, aims to recover from their 2026 World Cup group-stage elimination.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 1994

Wire

Zidane made his France playing debut with two goals against Czech Republic

Jan 1, 1998

Wire

France won the World Cup with Zidane scoring two headers in the final

Oct 5, 2026

Wire

France scheduled to host Belgium at Stade de France in Nations League

Oct 5, 2026

Wire

France hosts Belgium at Stade de France

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