Zinedine Zidane Leads France Against Turkiye in UEFA Nations League Opener

France begin their UEFA Nations League 2026-27 campaign under new head coach Zinedine Zidane as they take on Vincenzo Montella's Turkiye.

The Turkiye national football team will face the France national football team at the Yildiz Entegre Kocaeli Stadyumu for their opening match of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 campaign. Both teams are drawn in a tough group that also features Italy and Belgium.

Vincenzo Montella's Turkiye side will be aiming to bounce back after failing to advance past the group stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they lost their opening two matches. Real Madrid's Arda Guler, who can operate on the wing or in attacking midfield, will be a key attacking threat for the Crescent-Stars.

France enter the fixture following a managerial shift, with Zinedine Zidane now leading the national side after Les Bleus finished fourth at the FIFA World Cup 2026. France's squad features Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, who broke Pele's record for the most assists provided in a single edition of the World Cup during the 2026 tournament.

Reporting sourced from Khel Now. Photo courtesy Khel Now.