Turkey Hosts France in Nations League Opener Without Calhanoglu, Yildiz

Turkey opens its maiden UEFA Nations League League A campaign against France at Kocaeli Stadium on Friday at 21:45 local time. The match marks the team's first appearance in the top tier since the competition began in 2018.

Head coach Vincenzo Montella must plan without captain Hakan Calhanoglu and forward Kenan Yildiz, both ruled out due to injury. Right-back Mert Muldur is also absent from the 29-man squad.

Midfielder Orkun Kokcu missed training on September 23 with toe pain, leaving his availability for Friday uncertain. The Turkish Football Federation said a final decision will follow further assessment.

With Calhanoglu sidelined and Kokcu doubtful, Salih Ozcan and Ismail Yuksek are the leading options to anchor midfield alongside Arda Guler in an advanced role. Montella is expected to confirm the starting XI after final preparations.

Turkey holds a poor historical record against France, with one win, one draw, and four losses in six meetings. The sole victory came 2-0 in a Euro 2020 qualifier in June 2019.

This will be Turkey's third senior international in Kocaeli, following a 1-0 friendly win over Chile in 2008 and a 4-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Georgia in October 2025.

Germany's Felix Zwayer has been appointed as referee for the Group 1 opener, which will be broadcast live on ATV.