France begin life under Zinedine Zidane with a trip to Turkey in the Nations League. The hosts are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing World Cup with a surprise win at the Kocaeli Stadium.

Güler looking to lead Turkey’s next generation

Following another summer of expensive Süper Lig transfers, Turkish football continues to grow, and that should benefit the national team. They have two of Europe’s brightest young talents in the shape of Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, although the latter is currently sidelined through injury.

Güler has started the season well, with one goal and two assists in seven league outings for Real Madrid. He should operate in an advanced midfield role, with Barış Yılmaz likely to lead the line.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu is another major injury absentee for the hosts. That should see Orkun Kökçü and Salih Özcan team up in central midfield for Vincenzo Montella’s side.

Turkey predicted lineup vs France (4-2-3-1): Çakır; Çelik, Kabak, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Özcan, Kökçü; Aydın, Güler, Aktürkoğlu; Yılmaz.

France’s new era begins following summer heartbreak

Despite a really bright start, France ultimately crumbled in the final week of the World Cup. A 2-0 loss to Spain was followed by a 6-4 defeat to England as Les Bleus finished fourth in their last tournament under Didier Deschamps.

Zidane’s appointment isn’t likely to bring a major shift in terms of personnel, although key centre-back William Saliba is currently injured. The dominant attacking trio of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé should all start, with the latter remaining as captain.

Aurélien Tchouaméni has not been selected due to a lack of fitness, while Warren Zaïre-Emery and Robin Risser have pulled out of the squad because of injuries. Rayan Cherki is pushing for a start, after registering three goals and two assists in five Premier League appearances this term.

France predicted lineup vs Turkey (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert; Koné, Rabiot; Olise, Cherki, Mbappé; Dembélé.

Turkey vs France Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Over 2.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.47 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Turkey 2-3 France
  • 22Bet Booking Code: F8MZH

Key stats:

  • 75% of France’s matches in 2026 have produced three or more goals.
  • Les Bleus scored 2.5 goals per game on average at the World Cup.
  • Turkey’s last five fixtures have averaged three goals per 90 minutes.

Turkey favour an attacking approach under Montella. They played some exciting football at the World Cup, with 61 shots across their opening two games, but paid the price for failing to convert chances.

Up against a dangerous French side, who have scored at least twice in eight of their past nine matches, a high-scoring encounter is expected. Backing over 2.5 goals is a safe pick. That was a winning bet in five of the six World Cup qualifiers involving Les Bleus last season.

Turkey vs France Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: France to win & Both teams to score
  • Odds: 2.7 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 1XNZH

There are some defensive cracks in the visiting team that Turkey can exploit. Jules Koundé is struggling for form at right-back, while the injured Saliba is a major absentee in central defence for France.

The hosts have only failed to net in two of their past 11 internationals. However, the visitors boast an impressive 75% win rate this year, and they offer value to win a game that sees both teams score.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals (1.47) — Turkey 2-3 France