Published : 26 Sep 2026, 11:37 AM
Updated : 26 Sep 2026, 11:40 AM
Kylian Mbappe has handed Zinedine Zidane a winning start with France, while Belgium spoiled Roberto Mancini’s return as Italy coach on a dramatic second night of UEFA Nations League action.
Mbappe struck the only goal in the 54th minute in Turkey, combining with Michael Olise before finishing for his 67th international goal. But the win was overshadowed by an injury to the France captain, who left the pitch soon afterwards.
France had been made to work for it. Olise saw a curling effort saved in the first half, while Mike Maignan denied Ismail Yuksek after the break as Turkey threatened.
Mbappe then broke the deadlock but picked up an injury and was forced off soon afterwards.
Jules Kounde later went close to a second before Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir was sent off late on.
The result made Zidane the first France coach to win his opening match in charge since Aime Jacquet in 1994.
Belgium Spoil Mancini’s Italy Return
Belgium also gave new coach Mark van Bommel a winning start with a 2-0 victory over Italy in their League A opener in Rome.
Mika Godts opened the scoring after 21 minutes, latching onto a Kevin De Bruyne pass before beating Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Italy improved after the break, but substitute Dodi Lukebakio sealed the win with a long-range strike.
The result marked Belgium’s first Nations League victory over Italy and handed Roberto Mancini defeat in his first competitive match since returning as Azzurri coach.
Northern Ireland Win in 99th Minute
Northern Ireland produced the night’s most dramatic finish in League B with a 1-0 win away to Georgia.
Goalkeeper Pierce Charles saved a second-half penalty from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before Shea Charles volleyed home the winner in the 99th minute.
It was Northern Ireland’s first victory in League B.
Isak and Gyokeres on Target
Sweden opened their League B campaign with a 2-1 home win over Romania.
Alexander Isak gave the hosts the lead before Viktor Gyokeres struck just before half-time with what proved to be the winner.
Gyokeres had finished as the top scorer in the 2024-25 Nations League and was quickly back among the goals in the new campaign.
Sikan Marks Ukraine Return With Winner
Ukraine also began their League B campaign with three points after Danylo Sikan scored the only goal in a 1-0 win away to Hungary.
The striker was making his first international appearance in more than three years and scored his first goal for Ukraine since September 2021.
