Kylian Mbappé gave Zinédine Zidane a winning start as France coach, scoring the only goal of a tight Nations League opener in Kocaeli.
Mbappé settles a tight opener
France had to wait until the 54th minute to break through. Michael Olise found Mbappé, who supplied the finish for his 67th international goal and the first of the Zidane era.
It was the decisive moment in a match that never became comfortable for the visitors. Olise had seen a curling effort saved before the break, while Mike Maignan denied İsmail Yüksek when Türkiye pushed for an equaliser after half-time.
France protect the narrow lead
Jules Koundé went close to giving France breathing room, but the second goal did not arrive. Türkiye kept the pressure on until goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was dismissed late in the match.
France then closed out the remaining minutes, protected Maignan's clean sheet and ensured Zidane's first night on the touchline ended with three points.
Zidane starts with a win
The result mattered more than the margin. France found a way through a difficult contest and began their Nations League campaign with an away victory.
Belgium also won in Group A1, beating Italy 2-0 in Rome, so Monday's meeting in Brussels already carries weight at the top of the section.
Match details
Türkiye 0-1 France
Kylian Mbappé 54
Friday 25 September 2026
UEFA Nations League
Kocaeli Stadyumu
See the final score and match record in the LiveFootballNow match centre.
What comes next
France face Belgium away on Monday 28 September, when Zidane will look for a second win. Türkiye host Italy later the same evening with both sides seeking their first points.