Türkiye-France National Team Match: Date, Kick-off Time and TV Channel
Türkiye will begin its UEFA Nations League A campaign against France in a highly anticipated international fixture. The match is expected to attract significant attention after both teams underwent important changes following the 2026 World Cup.
The encounter will be played at Kocaeli Stadium and is scheduled to start at 21:45 local time. Football fans in Türkiye will be able to watch the game live on ATV. The match will be officiated by German referee Felix Zwayer, assisted by Robert Kempter and Nikolai Kimmeyer. Florian Badstübner will serve as the fourth official.
The other fixture in the group will see Italy host Belgium in Rome. That match will also begin at 21:45. Türkiye’s second group game is scheduled for 28 September, when Vincenzo Montella’s side will face Italy in Bursa.
Türkiye aim to start with a positive result
The Turkish national team enters the Nations League with renewed motivation. After failing to progress as hoped at the 2026 World Cup, the focus has now shifted to the European competition. Montella and his players want to open the campaign by earning at least one point against one of Europe’s strongest national sides.
France will provide a serious test, especially because the match marks the beginning of a new era for the visitors. Türkiye’s players are expected to rely on a disciplined defensive structure, fast transitions and the individual quality of attacking players such as Arda Güler, Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Orkun Kökçü is expected to miss the match
Türkiye will be without Orkun Kökçü, who is continuing treatment for pain in his toe. The midfielder was unable to train with the squad during Monday and Tuesday sessions, making his participation against France unlikely.
His absence could force Montella to change the midfield balance. İsmail Yüksek, Salih Özcan, Bartuğ Elmaz and Demir Ege Tıknaz are among the players who could take on greater responsibility in the center of the pitch.
There are also concerns regarding the overall fitness of the squad, but the team’s camp atmosphere has reportedly remained positive ahead of the opening game.
Zidane takes charge of France
France reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The French team lost to Spain in the last four and then suffered defeat against England in the third-place play-off, finishing the tournament in fourth position.
Following the World Cup, France ended its long association with Didier Deschamps and appointed Zinedine Zidane as head coach. The former France international and Real Madrid manager will therefore lead the national team for the first time against Türkiye.
Zidane’s appointment has created considerable expectations. France possesses depth in every area of the pitch, but the new coach must quickly establish his preferred tactical system and team hierarchy.
France’s key attacking threats
France’s squad includes several world-class players. Kylian Mbappé remains the principal attacking threat, while Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué provide speed and creativity from wide positions.
The midfield also features high-level options, including Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné and Warren Zaïre-Emery. In defence, players such as Jules Koundé, Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano and Pierre Kalulu offer strength and experience.
Türkiye’s defenders will need to remain compact and avoid allowing space behind the back line. France’s ability to accelerate attacks after winning possession may be one of the decisive factors in the match.
Türkiye’s probable tactical approach
Montella is expected to prioritize defensive organization without abandoning attacking ambition. Türkiye may look to press selectively, force France toward the sidelines and use quick counterattacks after recovering the ball.
Arda Güler could play an important role between the lines, while the pace of Barış Alper Yılmaz and Kerem Aktürkoğlu may be used to exploit gaps in the French defence. Set pieces could also offer Türkiye a valuable scoring opportunity against a physically strong opponent.
The opening phase will be particularly important. France will be playing its first match under Zidane, while Türkiye will want to avoid conceding an early goal that could change the tactical plan.
Türkiye’s 30-player squad
Goalkeepers: Altay Bayındır, Muhammed Şengezer, Okan Kocuk, Uğurcan Çakır.
Defenders: Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı, Adil Demirbağ, Emirhan Topçu, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak, Samet Akaydin, Mustafa Eskihellaç and Zeki Çelik.
Midfielders: İsmail Yüksek, Bartuğ Elmaz, Demir Ege Tıknaz, Melih Kabasakal, Orkun Kökçü and Salih Özcan.
Forwards: Aral Şimşir, Arda Güler, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Deniz Gül, Yunus Akgün, Can Uzun, İlhan Fakılı, İrfan Can Kahveci, Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Oğuz Aydın.
France’s 23-player squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Guillaume Restes and Robin Risser.
Defenders: Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet, Pierre Kalulu, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, Adrien Truffert and Dayot Upamecano.
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Rayan Cherki, Lucas Da Cunha, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot and Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Esteban Lepaul, Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise.
Why the match matters
The fixture is important not only because it is the first game of the Nations League group stage, but also because it offers Türkiye an opportunity to measure its progress against elite opposition. A strong performance could build confidence before the Italy match in Bursa.
For France, the game represents the beginning of Zidane’s tenure. The result will attract attention, but the team’s tactical identity and reaction to the new coach will be equally significant.
Türkiye-France match details
– Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A
– Venue: Kocaeli Stadium
– Kick-off: 21:45
– Broadcast: ATV
– Referee: Felix Zwayer
– Türkiye’s notable absence: Orkun Kökçü
– France’s head coach: Zinedine Zidane
The match promises to be a demanding opening test for Türkiye and a landmark debut for Zidane’s France.