Zidane to lead France for first time against Türkiye

Zinedine Zidane is set to lead France for the first time as coach when the team faces Türkiye in its opening match of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League League A campaign on Friday, September 25. The pre-match reports do not establish the result, and they give conflicting accounts of the venue. France’s announced starting lineup includes captain Kylian Mbappé, who Zidane said was fit after a minor injury concern. The XI also features goalkeeper Mike Maignan, defenders Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix and Adrien Truffert, midfielders Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot and Rayan Cherki, and forwards Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé. The fixture marks the beginning of Zidane’s tenure following Didier Deschamps’ departure after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane, who previously coached Real Madrid, said before the match that taking charge of France brought “an immense emotion,” but added that winning matches interested him most. He takes over a team that includes established internationals and newer squad members; the supplied reports describe the match as his first in charge, not as evidence of how the team will perform under him.