UEFA Nations League – Mbappe scores as France defeats Türkiye 1-0

In another key match of the first round of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League Group A, France, playing away, defeated Turkey 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kylian Mbappé.

Five minutes into the match, Turkey created an attacking opportunity when Yilmaz received a long pass from his teammate and fired a shot from inside the penalty area, but it was saved by French goalkeeper Maignan. In the 17th minute, French striker Olise crossed the ball in the penalty area, and Mbappe's shot went wide.

In the 27th minute, Turkey attempted a counter-attack. Ouaz Aydin dribbled into the penalty area and crossed the ball, but Yilmaz's shot was blocked by an opposing player. Shortly after, Guler chipped the ball into the penalty area, and Kadiolu headed it towards goal, but the ball was caught by French goalkeeper Maignan.

In the 39th minute, France launched an attack, with Olise delivering a cross, and Rabiot's header went wide. In the 41st minute, Dembele passed back from the penalty area, and Rajen Serki's curling shot was blocked. In the 43rd minute, Olise received the ball and unleashed a long-range shot, which Turkish goalkeeper Çakır leaped to block.

In the 45th minute, Laryan Sergi dealt with the defense and passed the ball back to Rabiot, who took a direct shot, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 50th minute of the second half, Turkey had a free kick opportunity. Güler took the kick and opted for a direct shot, but the ball hit the wall. Subsequently, Güler took a corner kick, and Yuksek's header went over the post.

In the 54th minute, France launched a counter-attack after taking possession. Olise passed the ball diagonally into the penalty area, where Mbappe received it and fired a low shot into the net, giving France a 1-0 lead. In the 59th minute, Mbappe, who appeared to be injured, was replaced by Due. In the 63rd minute, Due received a pass from Dembele outside the penalty area and unleashed a long-range shot, but it was saved by Turkish goalkeeper Cakir.

In the 69th minute, Layyan Serki passed the ball to Koundé, who received it, evaded the defense, and fired a shot, but the ball hit the post. In the 71st minute, Dembélé passed the ball back to Olise at the edge of the penalty area, who followed up with a long-range shot, but it went wide. In the 75th minute, Gueller received the ball, broke through the defense, and fired a shot, but it was saved by French goalkeeper Maignan.

In the 85th minute, Turkish goalkeeper Çakır came out of the penalty area to clear the ball and his hand came into contact with the ball. The referee showed Çakır a red card, and Turkey subsequently substituted goalkeeper Baindır for Yılmaz. In the 89th minute, Dembélé received the ball near the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but it was cleared by Baindır.

Ultimately, France defeated Türkiye 1-0 away from home.

Image source: Internet