France will begin their Nations League campaign in the quieter setting of Izmit on Friday night, with Turkey’s recent World Cup disappointment shaping the decision to take the fixture away from the country’s biggest and most volatile football arenas.
Les Bleus fly to the Turkish city on Thursday ahead of a 20:45 kick-off at Izmit Stadium, a 34,000-capacity ground situated more than an hour from Istanbul. Opened in 2018, the venue is home to Kocaelispor rather than one of Turkey’s major clubs.
A controlled venue after World Cup frustration
The Turkish federation opted for Izmit amid concerns over the mood among supporters following the national side’s poor World Cup. Turkey went out in the group phase, managing only one victory, and officials feared that anger could spill into serious disorder in Istanbul or at one of the country’s larger regional stadiums.
Within the French camp, particularly among staff responsible for logistics and security, there had initially been questions over why the match was not being staged in a more prominent venue. Some believed the selection of Izmit was intended to spare new France coach Zinédine Zidane the intensity of Istanbul, or the hostile atmosphere previously encountered in Konya.
France were beaten 2-0 in Konya in June 2019, on a night played amid a deafening home crowd. This time, the emphasis has been placed on a more manageable setting as Turkey prepare to host their first Nations League match against the French.
Kocaelispor’s home ground
Izmit Stadium is the home of Kocaelispor, who reached Turkey’s top division two years ago. The club currently sit fourth in the league after six matches, having recorded four wins and two defeats.
The squad also includes several players with French football backgrounds. Former Lens defender Massadio Haïdara, ex-Auxerre forward Florian Ayé and former Troyes player Tanguy Zoukrou are all at Kocaelispor.
