Mbappé Injury Overshadows Zidane’s Winning Start as France Boss

Zinedine Zidane began his France reign with a hard-fought 1-0 UEFA Nations League win over Turkey at Kocaeli Stadyumu, but Kylian Mbappé’s injury overshadowed an otherwise encouraging first night in charge for Les Bleus.

Key takeaways

• Mbappé scored the only goal in the 54th minute, his 67th for France.
• The France captain was forced off soon after scoring and is set to miss Monday’s trip to Belgium.
• Turkey finished with 10 men after goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was dismissed late in the match.
• Zidane is the first France manager to win his opening match since Aimé Jacquet in 1994.
• France will play Italy and Belgium at Stade de France in early October after the Belgium away fixture.

A winning start in a demanding setting

France opened their 2026-27 Nations League campaign in a hostile Turkish atmosphere and produced the defensive resolve Zidane had demanded from his new squad. The visitors pressed high, recovered possession aggressively and restricted Turkey’s opportunities despite the home side sustaining its intensity through the closing stages.

The breakthrough came nine minutes after half-time. Mbappé converted to put France ahead, but the captain’s evening ended shortly afterwards when he had to leave the field injured. Turkey continued to push for an equaliser before Çakır’s late red card reduced the hosts to 10 players, allowing France to see out the result.

The victory carries added historical significance for Zidane. Jacquet, who coached Zidane as France won the 1998 World Cup, had been the last French manager to win his first match in charge, doing so in 1994.

Zidane praises discipline but faces Mbappé concern

Zidane said the occasion had brought considerable emotion and described the result as an important beginning, particularly given the venue and the limited preparation time available. France had trained together for only three and a half sessions before facing Turkey.

The new manager was pleased with his players’ pressing, their work without the ball and their ability to manage possession. He also stressed that France’s attacking individuals must operate within a reliable collective shape.

France, he said, have players capable of deciding matches at any moment, but the team’s balance and organisation must remain strong enough to avoid leaving themselves exposed. Zidane also felt the display demonstrated that his side can adjust its approach when the situation requires it.

He credited Turkey for maintaining their physical output until the end and praised France’s substitutes for making a positive contribution after coming on.

The immediate concern is Mbappé’s fitness. His departure leaves Zidane without his captain and leading forward for the Belgium match on Monday, while France may consider whether to bring in a replacement from the standby group. Les Bleus then return to Stade de France for Nations League home fixtures against Italy and Belgium in early October.