2026–2027 Nations League: Turkey vs. France, Probable Lineups

Turkey vs. France is a match in Group 1 of League A of the Nations League, scheduled for 8:45 p.m. on Friday at Kocaeli Stadyumu. Italy and Belgium are also in the same group and will take the field at the same time in Rome. Vincenzo Montella’s team was eliminated in Group D of the World Cup: despite everything, the former “Aeroplanino” has been retained as coach and is looking to bounce back. There is a lot of curiosity surrounding Zinedine Zidane’s new Les Bleus, as he took over as head coach following the long Deschamps era, which ended with a fourth-place finish at the World Cup.

Turkey must cope with the injuries to two key starters, Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kenan Yıldız, who will not be able to play. The front three will consist of Güler, Yılmaz, and Aktürkoğlu, while the defense will be led by the ever-reliable Demiral, with Bardakci at his side. In midfield, Kokcu will partner with Ozcan and Yuksek.

Zidane is expected to rely on Mbappé as the focal point of the attack, with Dembélé, Olise, and Doué behind him. Two key players, Saliba and Tchouameni, are out with injuries: in defense, Upamecano will partner with Konaté, while Camavinga and Rabiot will form the midfield duo.

Turkey vs. France: Probable Lineups
Turkey (4-3-3): Çakır; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Elmalı; Özcan, Kökçü, Yüksek; Güler, Yılmaz, Aktürkoğlu.
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Konaté, Truffert; Camavinga, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé.

Zinedine Zidane did not hide his excitement ahead of his debut: “We’ve prepared a few things, but don’t start talking about ‘Zidane’s touch.’ The important thing is to be ready because we’ll be facing a competitive team. It’s normal for people to be talking about my debut—I’m taking over after 14 years with Deschamps as head coach. But the real stars are the players. I’ll stick to my role, try to do my job with my players, and win games.”