Turkey arrives at the Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux this Sunday for a UEFA Nations League match, carrying a winless record and a five-game losing streak, Le Figaro reported.
The match holds no stakes for the visitors, who have already been relegated to League B for the 2028-29 edition after failing to secure a point in their group. This losing streak is the team’s worst in 44 years; the nation previously suffered eight consecutive defeats between 1980 and 1982.
The match serves as a pivotal point for the French squad, which is looking to bounce back following a 3-1 defeat in Italy, according to La Tribune. A draw against Turkey will be sufficient for France to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. While France aims to host the Final Four, securing the top spot in the group is no longer entirely within their control.
New management for the visiting side
Sergen Yalçin took charge of the Turkish national team on Thursday, succeeding Vincenzo Montella, who was dismissed in October, Le Figaro noted. Montella’s departure followed a series of four losses and a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, where Turkey failed to progress despite a 3-2 victory over the United States.
During Montella’s three-year tenure, the team—nicknamed the “Star Crescents”—had risen from 38th to 22nd in the FIFA rankings, including a 3-2 victory in Germany in November 2023.
Yalçin, 54, faces the challenge of stabilizing a team currently experiencing its worst losing streak in 44 years. Despite the managerial change, the team struggled in a 2-1 defeat against Belgium in Izmir on Thursday.
Yalçin noted the efficiency of his opponents and acknowledged “recurring defensive weaknesses” within his squad, Le Figaro reported. “We are satisfied with our performance, especially in certain phases of play. It will be necessary to spread this over a longer period. We will gradually get back on our feet,” Yalçin said.
Arda Güler and the challenge for France
Despite the team’s struggles, midfielder Arda Güler remains a focal point for Turkey.
Following the match against Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne praised the Real Madrid player’s talent, telling Le Figaro, “I think Arda Güler does almost everything all by himself for Turkey. It is not easy for him because a lot of people just watch him. The other players should take a little more responsibility." Defending against Güler and Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz will be difficult, particularly following the difficulties Malo Gusto faced against Italy.
For France, the match in Bordeaux marks a return to the city for head coach Zinédine Zidane, who made his international debut there in 1994, La Tribune and Eurosport reported. Kylian Mbappé, who has scored 18 goals in 17 games this season, is expected to start for the French side after missing the Italy match due to a hamstring concern, Sud Ouest reported.
Zidane will deploy Mbappé in a central role, moving him from the left flank where he was positioned during the 1-0 win in Turkey on September 25. “We prefer to have him than not to have him,” Zidane said regarding the forward. Regarding their professional relationship, Zidane added, “I have a coach/player relationship with him that is going perfectly well. Thinking otherwise is stupid, it’s a shame and annoying.”
Bordeaux hosts international football
The return of the French national team to Bordeaux provides a boost to the local football scene, which has been rebuilding following the recent struggles of the Girondins de Bordeaux, Eurosport reported. Alain Giresse, a former French international and Girondins captain, said that the match brings renewed attention to the local football infrastructure.
Giresse recalled his own experience playing at the Parc Lescure in 1984, where he captained France to a 1-0 victory over Austria on March 28. He also highlighted the recent progress of the Girondins, who won 4-1 against Mont-de-Marsan on October 25, noting, “There was a form of relief in saying: ‘That’s it, the club is still standing and we are starting again on healthy foundations.'”
Mbappé, who was photographed at the Stade Atlantique on Saturday with performance manager Grégory Dupont, has a history in the city, having played there seven times, including two goals against the Girondins and a 3-0 Coupe de la Ligue victory with Paris SG in 2018.
The match at the Stade Atlantique is scheduled for 20:45 local time (UTC+1). Following this final Nations League group stage fixture, the Turkish national team will turn its attention to the draw for the Euro 2028 qualifiers, which is set for December 6.
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