27 September 2026 Football Agenda: Turkey vs France, Osimhen

The international break has once again pulled Turkish football's spotlight from the clubs to the national team. Looking for a strong start in Nations League A, Turkey stumbled against France in their first test, and the debate is still running today.

Turkey 0-1 France: Mbappé makes the difference

In the opening match of UEFA Nations League A Group 1, Turkey lost 1-0 to France. The game was played on Friday evening (25 September), with Kylian Mbappé scoring the only goal in the 54th minute. Coach Vincenzo Montella started Barış Alper Yılmaz up front, with İsmail Yüksek and Salih Özcan in midfield and Arda Güler in a free number 10 role. Oğuz Aydın played on the right and Can Uzun on the left.

The national team stayed in the contest but could not find an equaliser. The talking points after the final whistle went beyond the on-pitch performance.

Uğurcan Çakır's red card sparks debate

Late in the game, after a VAR review, goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside the penalty area. Altay Bayındır came on in goal. The decision has divided opinion among fans and refereeing pundits.

Montella said after the match that he did not see a clear handball. Under the automatic suspension rule, Uğurcan is reported to be unavailable for the second group match against Italy in Bursa, which is reported to be scheduled for Monday evening (28 September). Who starts in goal, Altay Bayındır or Okan Kocuk, will be up to the coaching staff.

Montella's sharp reply on Arda Güler

In his post-match press conference, Montella was reported to have given a firm answer to a question about Arda Güler and to have stressed the need to keep fighting. Arda's moment with Mbappé and his reaction afterwards have also received wide coverage in the Spanish press. How much these discussions affect the squad's mood before the Italy game remains to be seen.

Italy preparations in Bursa

The national team will continue preparing for the second Group 1 match against Italy at Yüzüncü Yıl Atatürk Stadium in Bursa. With no points from the opener, the Bursa fixture is an early turning point in the group. The goalkeeping change and attacking output are the main issues Montella must solve.

Galatasaray's Osimhen plan: no rush

On the club front, one of the most discussed topics is Victor Osimhen's condition at Galatasaray. The Nigerian striker has reportedly recovered from injury and could be available for the Kasımpaşa match after the break, but Okan Buruk does not want to risk him there. According to reports, the coaching staff aims to have Osimhen fully fit after a three-week absence for the Champions League match against Barcelona (13 October). This plan has not been confirmed by an official club statement; the final decision depends on Buruk and the medical team.

Sunday's Nations League programme

There is also a full Nations League programme today: Serbia-Netherlands, Germany-Greece, Denmark-Wales and Norway-Portugal are among the headline fixtures. Turkey will be watching group balances closely.

Overall assessment

The France defeat is not the end of the road for the national team, but the margin for error in Nations League A is slim. How Montella balances the side from goal to attack against Italy is the key question in the coming days. At club level, Galatasaray's caution over Osimhen points to planning aimed at the season's first big European tests.

The agenda may change during the day; follow official announcements.