Kylian Mbappe gives Zinedine Zidane winning start as France beat Turkey

Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal as France began their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Turkey in Group A.

The result gave Zinedine Zidane a winning start as France manager and secured the team’s first three points of the competition.

Mbappe settled the match in the 54th minute after Michael Olise capitalised on an error in the Turkey defence. Olise won possession and, following an individual run, supplied Mbappe, who finished with a well-struck shot into the net.

The goal continued a remarkable run of scoring records for the France captain. Mbappe has now scored 12 goals for his country in 2026, matching the highest total by a French player in a calendar year during the 21st century. He previously reached the same figure in 2022.

He has also scored 31 times for France while wearing the captain’s armband, drawing level with Michel Platini’s record.

Olise’s contribution also marked a personal milestone. After 26 appearances for France, he became the quickest player to register 10 assists for Les Bleus since Christian Perez reached the same total in 15 matches in 1991.

France’s victory followed a familiar pattern in front of goal. They have failed to score in the first half in each of their last five matches, while all 10 of their most recent goals have come after the interval.

Turkey were reduced to 10 players in the 87th minute when goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakır was sent off. Cakır handled the ball outside the penalty area, and the referee reviewed the incident using video technology before showing him a red card.

It was the first red card of Cakır’s career for Turkey.

The result marked Zidane’s first victory in charge of France, coming in the team’s opening Nations League fixture.

France will play Belgium in their second Group A match on Monday, while Turkey will face Italy on the same day.