Mbappé returns as France host Turkey needing a draw for last eight
Kylian Mbappé starts as France host Turkey in Bordeaux needing only a draw to reach the Nations League quarter-finals after a 3-1 loss to Italy.
Livefeed News DeskUpdated · 2 min read
Quick answer
France hosted Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday needing only a draw to reach the Nations League quarter-finals, whatever happened between Belgium and Italy. Kylian Mbappé returned from a thigh injury to lead the attack. Zinedine Zidane’s side were coming off a 3-1 defeat in Italy, his first loss in charge.
Key facts
- A draw or a win against Turkey would send France to the Nations League quarter-finals.
- France were second in Group A on 10 points, level with leaders Italy, with Belgium third on nine.
- France lost 3-1 to Italy in Milan on Thursday, the first defeat of the Zidane era.
- Mbappé recovered from a slight thigh injury and started as captain.
- Turkey had no points after five matches.
What France needed against Turkey
France hosted Turkey at the Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux on Sunday in the sixth and final round of the Nations League group stage, with kick-off at 20:45. A draw or a win would take them into the quarter-finals regardless of the result of the other group match between Belgium and Italy, Le Figaro reported.
Before kick-off, France were second in Group A on 10 points, level with leaders Italy, while Belgium were third on nine. The top two in the group qualify for the quarter-finals. Turkey had not taken a point from their five matches. L’Équipe looked at what finishing top of the group, rather than second, would change for France.
The result was not included in the reports available to Livefeed at the time of writing.
Notre 𝟏𝟏 𝐝𝐞 𝐝𝐞́𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 face à la Turquie 🔥
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 15, 2026
Tous ensemble pour décrocher la qualification ce soir 💪
🇫🇷🇹🇷 #FRATUR pic.twitter.com/ghuDh5YJW4
Bouncing back from Milan
France lost 3-1 to Italy in Milan on Thursday, the first defeat since Zinedine Zidane took charge. Le Figaro called it a disappointing performance and a worrying second half, and said the loss cost France first place in the group. Michael Olise scored France’s goal against Italy.
Mbappé back, defence reshuffled
Mbappé, recovered from a slight thigh injury, started up front and wore the captain’s armband. Barcola and Olise were picked either side of him, with Doué ruled out.
The changes came at the back. Kumbedi replaced Gusto, who Le Figaro said had endured an ordeal at San Siro. Konaté partnered Jacquet in central defence, and Diouf started at left-back.
France: Maignan; Kumbedi, Jacquet, Konaté, Diouf; Cherki, Da Cunha, Rabiot; Olise, Mbappé (captain), Barcola. Chris Kavanagh was appointed to the match.
The first meeting and Arda Güler
Mbappé scored the only goal when the sides met earlier in the group, a 1-0 France win, before going off injured. On Sunday he was up against his Real Madrid team-mate Arda Güler, who scored a free kick in Turkey’s 2-1 defeat to Belgium.
Frequently asked questions
What did France need against Turkey in the Nations League?
A draw or a win would send France to the quarter-finals, whatever the result of Belgium against Italy.
Where was France vs Turkey played?
At the Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux, with kick-off at 20:45 on Sunday.
Did Kylian Mbappé play against Turkey?
Yes. He recovered from a slight thigh injury and started up front as captain.
What happened when France played Italy?
France lost 3-1 in Milan on Thursday, Zinedine Zidane’s first defeat as coach.
