IZMIT, 26 September, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal as France defeated Turkey 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League, giving new head coach Zinedine Zidane a winning start on Friday, although the victory was overshadowed by an injury to the France captain. Mbappe, who was deployed on the left wing by Zidane, scored his 67th international goal after being set up by Michael Olise, but was forced to leave the field after appearing to suffer an injury to his left knee. Mbappe received treatment and attempted to continue before eventually being replaced by Desire Doue. Zidane said Mbappe was likely to return to Real Madrid for further treatment and stressed that France would not take unnecessary risks with the injury. The match marked Zidane’s first game in charge of France since his appointment in late July, with the former France captain returning to elite coaching after leaving Real Madrid in 2021. Zidane said he was encouraged by his team’s performance despite having only three and a half training sessions together. France will next travel to Brussels to face Belgium on Monday, while Zidane is scheduled to make his home debut against Italy at the Stade de France next Friday.