The UEFA Nations League is set to kick off with Türkiye facing a formidable challenge against France at Kocaeli Stadium on Friday. This match marks Türkiye’s return to League A, a division they have not competed in since the tournament’s inception in 2018. Under the guidance of head coach Vincenzo Montella, Türkiye aims to bounce back from a lackluster 2026 World Cup performance.
Facing them is a France team entering a new phase with Zinedine Zidane at the helm after the departure of long-time coach Didier Deschamps. Historically, Türkiye has struggled against France, securing only one win in their six previous encounters, a 2-0 victory during the 2019 European Championship qualifiers.
As Türkiye prepares for this opener, they may be without midfielder Orkun Kökçü, who is in doubt due to a toe injury. Montella’s squad will also feature several players receiving their first senior team call-ups, signaling a potential shift in team dynamics.
France, on the other hand, boasts a strong lineup with captain Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué. However, their preparations have not been without hiccups, as Mbappé missed a training session due to flu-like symptoms, and the team is dealing with several fitness concerns among its ranks.
Group A1, which includes Türkiye, France, Italy, and Belgium, promises to be fiercely competitive. Following the match against France, Türkiye will host Italy on September 28, before travelling to face Belgium and Italy in October. This challenging schedule underscores the importance of a strong start for Türkiye against France in their Nations League opener.