Turkey hosts France in the UEFA Nations League on 25 September 2026. Read the kick-off time, team news, line-ups, key players, and prediction.
Turkey hosts France at Kocaeli Stadium in İzmit on Friday, 25 September 2026, as the two countries begin their UEFA Nations League campaign.
The League A, Group 1 encounter is scheduled to kick off at 9:45 p.m. East Africa Time. It brings together two talented squads and marks Zinedine Zidane’s first match as France head coach.
Türkiye will hope that their home support and technical quality can compensate for the absence of two important players. France arrive with Kylian Mbappé available to captain the team and several newcomers hoping to earn their first senior international appearances.
Turkey vs France Match Details
| Match information | Details |
| Fixture | Turkey vs France |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League |
| Group | League A, Group 1 |
| Date | Friday, 25 September 2026 |
| Uganda kick-off time | 9:45 p.m. EAT |
| Venue | Kocaeli Stadium, İzmit |
| Host country | Turkey |
The official UEFA match centre confirms the venue, date and placement of both teams in the league phase. UEFA’s published schedule shows that League A teams will contest six group matches between September and November 2026.
Zidane Begins His France Reign
The fixture represents the beginning of a major transition for France. Zidane succeeded Didier Deschamps following the 2026 FIFA World Cup and now takes charge of his country for the first time.
Deschamps led France for 14 years, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching another final in 2022. Zidane must now shape the next stage of a team accustomed to competing for international trophies.
The former midfielder carries considerable status within French football. He scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final, helped France win Euro 2000 and later enjoyed a highly successful coaching spell with Real Madrid.
His first Nations League window will be demanding. After playing Turkey, France visit Belgium on 28 September before hosting Italy and Belgium in October.
Mbappé Available to Lead France
Mbappé has been cleared to play after overcoming a minor injury concern. Zidane confirmed at his pre-match media briefing that the France captain was ready for the fixture.
His availability gives France a proven focal point. Mbappé can start centrally or move into the left channel, where his pace may test Türkiye’s defensive positioning.
France also possess creative options in Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Désiré Doué. Eduardo Camavinga and Adrien Rabiot could provide the midfield balance behind that attacking unit.
The visitors’ squad includes six players seeking senior debuts: Guillaume Restes, Leny Yoro, Jérémy Jacquet, Andy Diouf, Lucas Da Cunha and Esteban Lepaul. Their inclusion indicates Zidane is prepared to introduce younger alternatives while maintaining an experienced core.
Turkey Team News
Turkey must prepare without Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kenan Yıldız, who are unavailable through injury.
Çalhanoğlu’s absence is particularly significant because of his passing, set-piece delivery and ability to control possession. Yıldız would have added direct running and creativity around the penalty area.
Arda Güler is available despite earlier concerns about a knock. The midfielder is expected to assume greater creative responsibility and could operate from the right before moving into central areas.
Orkun Kökçü may become Turkey’s main midfield organiser, while Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Barış Alper Yılmaz can provide speed during transitions. The hosts will need their attacking players to support one another effectively rather than leaving Güler isolated against France’s midfield.
Predicted Line-Ups
Al Jazeera published the following projected starting teams ahead of the encounter. These selections are predictions and should not be treated as confirmed line-ups.
Turkey predicted XI: Çakır; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Elmalı; Özcan, Kökçü, Yüksek; Güler, Yılmaz, Aktürkoğlu.
France predicted XI: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert; Camavinga, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé.
Official team sheets are normally released closer to kick-off. Readers should therefore check the UEFA match centre or live coverage before relying on any selection information.
Head-to-Head Record
UEFA records six previous meetings between Turkey and France. France have won four, Turkey have won one, and the other match ended in a draw. France have scored 13 goals across those games, compared with Turkey’s five.
The teams last met during Euro 2020 qualifying. Turkey earned a notable 2–0 victory in Konya in June 2019 before holding France to a 1–1 draw in Paris four months later.
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the second match, but Kaan Ayhan equalised shortly afterwards. Those two results show that France’s stronger overall record does not guarantee control against Turkey.
Where the Match Could Be Decided
Turkey are likely to attack through quick combinations involving Güler, Kökçü and Aktürkoğlu. Their strongest opportunities may come when France’s full-backs advance and leave space behind them.
The hosts must also decide how aggressively to press. A high defensive line could help Türkiye disrupt France’s build-up, but it would leave Mbappé with space to attack.
France may attempt to establish control through Camavinga and Rabiot before moving the ball quickly into wide areas. Olise and Dembélé can create chances individually, while Mbappé’s movement could force Türkiye’s central defenders to retreat.
Set-pieces may also matter in a tight opening game. Turkey will miss Çalhanoğlu’s delivery, while France possess several defenders capable of competing for crosses.
What the Match Means for Ugandan Supporters
The 9:45 p.m. EAT kick-off makes the match convenient for Ugandan viewers following European international football. Mbappé, Camavinga, Dembélé, Güler and Kökçü are familiar to supporters who regularly watch Europe’s leading club competitions.
Zidane’s return to coaching adds another point of interest. Ugandan viewers will be able to assess whether his opening team reflects his successful possession-based approach at Real Madrid or introduces a different tactical identity.
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Prediction and Final Thoughts
Turkey’s home support and Güler’s creativity could make this a difficult opening assignment for France. However, the injuries to Çalhanoğlu and Yıldız reduce the hosts’ experience and attacking depth.
France may need time to adjust to Zidane’s methods, but their options around Mbappé give them a narrow advantage. Turkey should still create chances, particularly during quick transitions.
Prediction: Turkey 1–2 France.
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