France vs Türkiye: Mbappé Returns With Quarter-Final at Stake
Kylian Mbappé was set to return for France's decisive UEFA Nations League Group A1 match against Türkiye in Bordeaux on Sunday, November 15. Kickoff was
Kylian Mbappé was set to return for France's decisive UEFA Nations League Group A1 match against Türkiye in Bordeaux on Sunday, November 15. Kickoff was 2:45pm ET, with a quarter-final place on the line for Les Bleus.
What was at stake
France entered the final group game second in the table with 10 points from five matches, after three wins, one draw and one defeat. A positive result would secure a quarter-final spot, and a win would send them through.
The defeat came on Thursday, November 12, when Italy won 3-1 in Milan. Michael Olise gave France an early lead, but the visitors could not hold it. It was Zinedine Zidane's first loss as France coach, and Italy took top spot in the group.
Form before the decider
France had started the group strongly. They beat Türkiye 1-0 away and Belgium 1-0 away, then drew 1-1 at home with Italy. A 4-1 home win over Belgium in October followed.
Team news
Mbappé, the France captain, missed the Italy game with minor muscular discomfort. Zidane confirmed the forward had recovered and trained with the squad in Bordeaux. The Real Madrid player also missed three of four games in the previous international break, the first under Zidane.
Defensive problems remain. Dayot Upamecano left camp on November 13 for personal reasons and was not replaced. William Saliba, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix and Pierre Kalulu are out injured.
Ibrahima Konaté was expected to take Upamecano's place. Wolfsburg's Sael Kumbedi could start at right-back, a position that has caused France trouble.
Predicted line-up and what to watch
French outlet L'Équipe predicted this XI: Mike Maignan; Andy Diouf, Ibrahima Konaté, Jérémy Jacquet, Sael Kumbedi; Warren Zaire-Emery, Eduardo Camavinga, Rayan Cherki; Bradley Barcola, Mbappé, Olise.
In Milan, France played without Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Marcus Thuram. Zidane used Barcola centrally. He had 12 touches in the Italian box, the most of any player, and completed the most dribbles. He also missed two big chances.
Barcola created France's first opening against Italy, laying the ball off for Désiré Doué, who shot wide.
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