France begin their Nations League campaign under new management on Friday, travelling to Turkey with Zinédine Zidane taking charge of Les Bleus for the first time. The opening night of the group stage offers a fresh start for a heavily reshaped French squad, but Turkey arrive determined to respond after finishing bottom of Group D at the World Cup in the United States.
Zidane starts with a changed France squad
The three-week international window begins with a demanding away fixture for France, who will be looking to collect early points before the rest of their Nations League schedule unfolds.
Zidane has made significant changes for his first selection as France coach, handing maiden call-ups to five players while leaving out several established internationals.
- Jérémy Jacquet has received his first France call-up.
- Estéban Lepaul is included for the first time.
- Andy Diouf joins the senior group.
- Guillaume Restes has been selected.
- Lucas Da Cunha completes the group of newcomers.
The overhaul has come at the expense of experienced figures. Aurélien Tchouaméni, N’Golo Kanté, Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Digne are not part of Zidane’s squad for the trip.
Turkey add fresh faces around Arda Güler
Turkey are also entering the new campaign with changes in their ranks. Coach Vincenzo Montella has retained the increasingly central Arda Güler while introducing four new players into his selection.
- Adil Demirbag has been called up.
- Bartug Elmaz is among the new names.
- Melih Kabasakal enters the squad.
- Ilhan Fakili has also been selected.
Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer remains absent from the Turkish group. He was excluded from the national set-up after leaving the squad without permission in October 2025.
How to follow France in Turkey
The Nations League opener between Turkey and France will be shown live on L’Équipe Live and on the L’Équipe television channel.
