France training delayed by equipment problem ahead of Turkey Nations League game

Zinedine Zidane’s preparations for France’s final Nations League group match against Turkey have been disrupted after a delay in delivering the team’s training equipment forced a session in Bordeaux to start an hour late.

France’s players were due to train at 18:00 on Friday at Matmut Atlantique, the venue for Sunday’s match, but the equipment had not arrived from the Clairefontaine national training centre. The session eventually began at 19:00 after the coaching staff revised their plans.

According to French outlet RMC Sport, France arrived in Bordeaux on Friday after leaving Italy, where they suffered a 3-1 defeat against the hosts on Thursday in the previous round of League A.

The loss was France’s first since Zidane became manager. Michael Olise put the visitors ahead, but Italy responded with three goals to secure victory.

Zidane quickly turned his attention to the meeting with Turkey and did not appear overly concerned by the result. However, the latest delay has added to a series of organisational difficulties surrounding the squad during the current international camp.

The delegation encountered problems during its trip to Italy involving travel arrangements for players’ families. The issue reportedly caused frustration among several members of the squad and affected the atmosphere before the match.

There have also been equipment-related issues during France’s September and October camps, including difficulties involving boot studs, socks and the national flag. Those incidents emerged during Zidane’s return to management of France, following his time in charge of Real Madrid.

The French Football Federation held a meeting last Sunday to review organisational preparations and address shortcomings identified during previous camps. Despite that action, the late arrival of the equipment in Bordeaux suggests that some of the problems remain unresolved.

France will face Turkey on Sunday, 15 November 2026, in the final game of the Nations League group stage. Zidane will be hoping the team can prepare without further disruption as attention returns to matters on the pitch.

The repeated logistical issues have become an unwelcome distraction for the manager and his players, particularly after France’s defeat in Italy. With the group stage nearing its conclusion, the squad is seeking greater stability ahead of the Turkey fixture.