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Zinedine Zidane prepares for first match as France head coach against Turkey

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 4:59 PM

Last updated Sep 24, 2026

Zinedine Zidane prepares for first match as France head coach against Turkey

Summary

Zinedine Zidane is set to lead France for the first time on September 25 in a Nations League match against Turkey. The former player expressed that the occasion feels 'even more special' than his playing debut over 30 years ago. Zidane, who succeeded Didier Deschamps after the World Cup, is under pressure to meet high expectations given his illustrious career. Kylian Mbappé will captain the French side despite a minor injury. Zidane's initial squad includes six players making their national team debuts, aiming to blend experienced veterans with new talent. Following the Turkey match, France will face Belgium and Italy in upcoming fixtures.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Zidane's first match as France head coach is September 25 against Turkey.
•Kylian Mbappé is set to captain the team.
•Zidane replaces Didier Deschamps after the World Cup.
•Six players will make their national team debuts.
•France plays Belgium on September 28 and Italy on October 2.

Latest Updates

4:59 PMYahoo Sports — Zidane says taking charge of his first France game feels 'even more' special than his playing debut

What they're saying

"
Zinedine Zidane was asked if taking charge of his first France game on Friday will feel just as special as his playing debut for Les Bleus more than 30 years ago. “Even more so, maybe,” a smiling Zidane said Thursday ahead of a Nations League game at Turkey. “I feel an immense emotion being at the head of this France team.”
— Yahoo Sportsby JEROME PUGMIRE

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