Zinedine Zidane made a winning start as France head coach as his side edged past Turkey 1-0 away from home in their opening 2026/27 UEFA Nations League fixture. The decisive moment came from Kylian Mbappe — but the France captain was forced off with an injury shortly after finding the net.

The opening stages produced few clear-cut chances, with Mbappe coming closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time. In the 17th minute, the Real Madrid forward, operating from the left side of a 4-3-3 formation, fired wide from a promising position.

Turkey started the second half with greater attacking intent, but it was the visitors who took the lead. In the 53rd minute, Michael Olise picked out Mbappe, who finished into the near corner to put France ahead.

However, France paid a heavy price for the first goal of the Zidane era. Mbappe appeared to hurt his leg while taking the shot and was unable to continue, leaving the field shortly after putting his side in front.

France continued to create opportunities after Mbappe's departure. Substitute Désiré Doué was denied by Altay Bayindir in the 63rd minute, while Jules Koundé struck the post six minutes later as France looked to put the game beyond doubt.

Turkey were unable to find a way back into the contest and their night ended in further frustration. Following a VAR review, referee Felix Zwayer showed a red card to goalkeeper Altay Bayindir for handling the ball outside his penalty area.

UEFA Nations League 2026-27

Türkiye - France 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Mbappé, 54 (0:1)

Türkiye: Çakir U. (till 87); Çelik; Demiral; Bardakçı; Yüksek (Kabasakal, 88); Özcan Sa.; Güler A.; Kadioglu (Gül D., 93); Uzun (Aktürkoglu, 76); Aydin O. (Elmali, 76); Yılmaz B. (Bayındır, 88)
Substitution: Elmali (from 76); Aktürkoglu (from 76); Bayındır (from 88); Kabasakal (from 88); Gül D. (from 93)
Bench: Kocuk; Topçu E.; Kabak; Kahveci I.; Akgün Y.; Şimşir
Yellow Cards: Güler A. 42; Özcan Sa. 68
Red cards: Çakir U. 87'

France: Maignan; Truffert; Upamecano; Kounde; Lacroix M.; Koné M.; Olise (Barcola B., 78); Rabiot; Cherki (Camavinga, 78); Dembele O. (Lepaul, 90); Mbappé (Doue D., 59)
Substitution: Doue D. (from 59); Camavinga (from 78); Barcola B. (from 78); Lepaul (from 90)
Bench: Restes; Butez; Kalulu; Yoro; Jacquet; Akliouche; Da Cunha; Diouf A.
Yellow Cards: Upamecano 72; Koné M. 93; Lepaul 93