sports · AM730

Turkey Hosts France in Zidane's Managerial Debut as Nations League Returns

AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN

Summary

Turkey host France in UEFA Nations League A1 group action on Friday night, with the match marking the managerial debut of Zinedine Zidane as France's national team coach after five years away from the game . Mbappé, France's all-time leading scorer, has described joining forces with the legendary coach as "like entering a movie plot," though he missed Tuesday's training due to illness but is expected to play . Turkey, in their first-ever top-tier Nations League campaign after two consecutive promotions, are eager to make their mark at home, where they remain unbeaten in nine matches .

Key Points

Match kicks off at 02:45 HKT on Friday, September 26, at Turkey's home stadium in the A1 group
Zidane takes charge of France for the first time since his five-year absence from coaching
Mbappé leads France's attack despite missing Tuesday's training session with illness
Zidane plans to deploy Mbappé on the left wing with Dembélé as central striker
Turkey lost all credibility in World Cup group stage, only beating USA 3-2 in final match
France won 14 of their last 17 matches with at least 3 total goals scored
Turkey's attack features Real Madrid's Arda Güler and Fenerbahçe duo Akturkoglu and Kahveci
Both teams missing key Serie A players: Turkey without Çalhanoglu and Yıldız

Why It Matters

This match represents a new era for both nations: Zidane's tactical vision for France and Turkey's test at the highest Nations League level. The encounter promises fireworks with both sides boasting firepower and preferring attacking football, offering Hong Kong viewers an early morning spectacle of high-scoring action.