Kylian Mbappe is expected to feature for France in their UEFA Nations League 2026-27 clash against Turkey at the Kocaeli Stadium today, September 25, 2026. The fixture will be a momentous occasion, as it marks the official debut of legendary Zinedine Zidane as the head coach of the French national team.
Concerns over Mbappe’s availability arose after he missed training sessions earlier this week due to flu-like symptoms. However, France coach Zidane has reassured fans, confirming on September 24 that the 27-year-old superstar is ‘FINE’ and ‘READY to play tomorrow’ against Turkey.
Match Details
The highly anticipated UEFA Nations League League A, Group A1 encounter is scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Kocaeli Stadium in Izmit, Turkey.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Turkey vs France |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League 2026-27, League A, Group A1 |
| Stage | Matchday 1 |
| Date | Friday, September 25, 2026 9 (In India September 26) |
| Venue | Kocaeli Stadium, Izmit, Turkey |
| Kick-off (IST) | 00:15 |
Team Form and Head-to-Head
France enters this Nations League campaign with Zinedine Zidane at the helm, succeeding Didier Deschamps after France’s fourth-place finish at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Les Bleus have shown strong form in recent Nations League group matches, winning four of their last five, with one draw.
Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella, will be looking to make a strong statement on home soil. The Crescent-Stars were promoted to League A for the first time in their history in 2025. However, they had a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, being eliminated in the group stage after losing two of their three matches.
Historically, France holds a significant advantage over Turkey. In six previous encounters, France has secured four victories, with one match ending in a draw and Turkey claiming a single win.
The stage is set for an intriguing encounter as France, under new management and with their captain fit, begin their quest in the UEFA Nations League against a determined Turkish side. All eyes will be on Kocaeli as Zidane’s era officially kicks off.