France edge Türkiye in Nations League thriller marred by late drama
Reviewed by Elison · Fri 25 Sep 2026UEFA Nations League · League A
TürkiyeFULL-TIME
FranceFriday 25 September 2026 · 20:45
Our score 0-2MissedHot tip France to win✓ Won
Introduction
France secured a narrow but significant 1-0 victory over Türkiye in UEFA Nations League action, with a single second-half goal proving enough to separate the two sides. The result hands France a valuable three points and continues their momentum in the competition, while Türkiye were left to rue a turbulent finish to the match that saw them reduced to ten men in the closing stages.
How the Game Unfolded
Arda Güler was booked for Türkiye in the 42nd minute, the only notable incident of a goalless first half.
The decisive moment came nine minutes into the second half: Kylian Mbappé scored on 54 minutes, finishing from a Michael Olise assist, to give France a 1-0 lead. Mbappé then went off, with Désiré Doué coming on in his place at the 59th minute. Salih Özcan was booked for Türkiye on 68 minutes, and Dayot Upamecano picked up a yellow card for France four minutes later.
The closing stages brought further drama. A VAR review upgraded Uğurcan Çakır’s booking to a red card on 87 minutes, and he was sent off, leaving Türkiye with ten men. In stoppage time, Esteban Lepaul and Manu Koné were both booked for France in the 90th minute plus three, rounding off a feisty finish to the match.
The Numbers
France’s dominance was evident in the possession statistics, where they controlled 64% of the ball to Türkiye’s 36%.
Despite France enjoying 64 per cent of the ball, the shot count was remarkably even. Both teams registered 12 total shots, with France managing four on target and Türkiye recording three. Each goalkeeper was tested, with both sides’ stoppers making three saves apiece.
Discipline was a concern at both ends. Türkiye collected two yellow cards and one red, while France accumulated three bookings. Türkiye also committed 14 fouls, with France registering 15. Corner kicks favoured Türkiye slightly with five to France’s three, while both teams were caught offside twice.
Conclusion
France ground out a professionally managed victory, with Mbappé’s goal — created by Olise — proving to be the definitive moment of the contest. Türkiye showed enough in patches to suggest they could have taken something from the game, but the red card for Uğurcan Çakır in the closing minutes compounded their evening and ensured there would be no late comeback. France take the points and move forward in the Nations League with their defensive resilience and clinical edge once again intact.
