France win in Turkey but lose Mbappe on Zidane debut

France began Zinédine Zidane’s tenure with a victory, but the result was tempered by Kylian Mbappé’s injury. The captain scored the decisive goal against Turkey before being substituted, giving Zidane a winning start while raising an immediate concern over France’s leading forward. It was the national team’s first match under a new coach after 14 years with Didier Deschamps.

France won 1-0 after initially struggling against Turkey’s pressure in a 4-3-3 system. Mbappé, restored to the left wing, found space less easily in the opening period, while Turkey created the clearer early opportunities. Mike Maignan kept France level with important interventions before the visitors improved late in the first half.

Mbappé then broke the deadlock after the interval, scoring his 67th goal for France. He showed discomfort during the celebration and left the game shortly afterwards, with Désiré Doué taking his place. France remained in control of the result despite further scares, including a late sending-off for Turkey’s goalkeeper after handling outside the area.

Jules Koundé struck the post as France sought a second goal, while Bradley Barcola added energy after coming on. Estéban Lepaul made his first appearance for the national team in the closing stages. France’s next Nations League fixture is against Belgium on Monday.