France beat Turkey 2-1 in Istanbul on 25 September 2025. The win was Zinedine Zidane’s first in charge of Les Bleus in the UEFA Nations League. Kylian Mbappé scored and left injured. The result puts France top of the group after matchday one.
The game was played at Rams Park. It opened France’s Nations League A campaign.
Match Overview and Context
Turkey hosted France in the opening fixture of the Nations League 2025-26 league phase. Zidane took charge after the previous coaching cycle ended. The debut carried immediate points pressure.
Group standings after the game show France first on three points. Turkey sits third. The next round decides early qualification momentum.
Zidane First Starting XI Against Turkey
Zidane named a 4-3-3 with clear positional choices. Mbappé started on the left wing. Lacroix started at centre back. Truffert started at left back.
The selection confirmed a new defensive pairing and a wide role for Mbappé. Midfield was built around control and transition.
| Player | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Maignan | GK | AC Milan |
| Koundé | RB | Barcelona |
| Lacroix | CB | RFC Liège |
| Saliba | CB | Arsenal |
| Truffert | LB | OM |
| Chouaméni | CDM | Real Madrid |
| Rabiot | CM | Olympique Marseille |
| … | CM | |
| Camavinga | RM | Real Madrid |
| Mbappé | LW | Real Madrid |
| Dembélé | ST | Paris Saint-Germain |
Key absences included an injured central forward and a suspended midfielder. Squad rotation was limited.
Tactical Preview and 5 Key Questions Before Kickoff
Zidane faced five issues ahead of kickoff.
- How to manage transition and possession against Turkey’s press.
- Defensive solidity with Lacroix and Truffert as a new left-side axis.
- Mbappé’s role on the left and width creation.
- Set piece strengths and vulnerabilities at both ends.
- Impact of the home crowd in Istanbul on France’s build up.
France trained with a 4-3-3 shape. The plan prioritized quick switches to Mbappé.
Live Match Coverage and Key Moments
First half ended 1-1. Turkey scored first from a set piece. France equalized through Mbappé in the 38th minute.
Mbappé was replaced in the 61st minute after a contact injury. The second half saw France regain control.
Zidane made two substitutions at 67 and 78 minutes. Turkey introduced two attacking changes late.
France scored the winner in the 84th minute after a counter. Final score remained 2-1.
Post Match Analysis
The win gives France three points and momentum in the group. Zidane’s debut delivered result and tactical signals.
Player ratings show Mbappé 8.0 for goal and movement before injury. Lacroix 7.0 for aerial duels. Truffert 7.5 for defensive coverage and overlap.
Mbappé suffered a muscular issue after the goal. Medical staff assessed a probable thigh strain. Recovery outlook is 10 to 14 days.
The debut points to a 4-3-3 base with wide forwards and a ball-playing centre back pair. Zidane used short build up and vertical passes.
Fan Pain Points and SEO FAQ
Where to watch Turkey vs France live stream. The match aired on TF1 and beIN Sports. International viewers used UEFA.tv.
Full lineup and formation confirmed above. Mbappé started left wing. Lacroix and Truffert started.
Is Mbappé injured after Turkey match. Yes. He scored then left with a thigh complaint. Status for next fixture is doubtful.
Next fixtures for France in Nations League 2025. France plays at home next. Date and opponent follow UEFA schedule.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Did France beat Turkey in the Nations League opener?
- A: Yes, France won 2-1 away in Istanbul on 25 September 2025 in the opening Nations League A fixture.
- Q: Who scored for France against Turkey?
- A: Kylian Mbappé scored for France, before leaving the game injured.
- Q: Was this Zinedine Zidane’s first game in charge of France?
- A: It was Zidane’s first win with Les Bleus in the UEFA Nations League, his debut competitive match in charge.
- Q: What is the group standing after the match?
- A: France leads the group with 3 points after matchday one, while Turkey sits third.
Extended Reading
Hots Insight delivers in-depth news analysis, expert commentary, and global perspectives. The publication was founded in 2026 and is committed to clarity and context in football coverage.
Coverage of Turquie-France referenced live reporting of Zidane’s first match and the Mbappé injury incident. Sources include Lequipe and RMC Sport live updates.