France skipper Mbappé strikes to successfully launch Zidane era as France boss

Kylian Mbappé scored his 67th international goal on Friday night to propel France to a 1-0 victory over Turkey in the 2027 Nations League and successfully launch Zinedine Zidane's reign as head coach. Issued on: 25/09/2026 - 23:04Modified: 25/09/2026 - 23:19 2 min Reading time Mbappé scored in the 56th minute in Izmit to quell Turkey's domination after the half-time break in the League A Group 1 opener. The 27-year-old Real Madrid striker gathered Michael Olise's pass and slotted the ball past the Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Çakır. But minutes later, Mbappé left the fray nursing a knee injury. After his departure, France controlled the game and Turkey hampered their chances to draw level when Çakır was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area in the 87th minute. Despite their disadvantage, Turkey pushed for the equaliser but France held off the assaults on their goal. "It’s a win on a tricky pitch," France striker Ousmane Dembélé told French broadcaster TF1. "We played a very good match overall," added the 29-year-old who took over as captain following Mbappé's exit. "We could have scored one or two more goals but coming to Turkey to play in a lively stadium wasn’t going to be easy. We’ve worked hard all week. We’re pleased with the three points." Belgium launch van Bommel In the pool's other game, Belgium's players marked Mark van Bommel's debut as coach with a 2-0 victory in Italy. The 49-year-old, who played for PSV Eindhoven, AC Milan, Barcelona and Bayern Munich during a 21-year career, took over from the Frenchman Rudi Garcia after he guided Belgium to the World Cup quarter-finals. The Paris Saint-Germain striker Mika Godts opened the scoring for Belgium mid way through the first-half at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Zidane stresses role as second fiddle to France players ahead of Turkey clash And Dodi Lukébakio doubled the advantage in the 69th minute. On 28 September in Brussels, Belgium entertain France while Turkey host Italy. Zidane's first home game as France coach comes on 2 October, when his side welcome Italy to the Stade de France – the arena where his two goals in the 1998 World Cup final inspired France to a 3-0 victory over Brazil and their first World Cup trophy. France then host Belgium at the same venue on 5 October for their fourth game in the group. 'Not looking for the attention' Accustomed to a life in the spotlight, Zidane said he expected even more scrutiny once the squad returned to France. "No, it doesn't annoy me," he said. "I think you just have to accept things as they are. I'm not looking for the attention. That's not why I'm here. "I'm going to try to do my job with my players, try to put something in place that will allow us to win matches. That's what interests me. That's what interests me most." The top two from the four groups in League A advance to the last eight next March. The semi-finals will be played on 9 and 10 June 2027 and the final on 13 June.