Zidane's France Era Begins as Nations League 2026/27 Kicks Off

The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 season kicks off this week, with Netherlands vs Germany, Portugal vs Wales, Norway vs Denmark and Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland played on Thursday, followed by Zinedine Zidane taking charge of France for the first time away to Turkey on Friday.

Zidane takes over from Didier Deschamps, who spent 14 years in charge and led France to World Cup glory in 2018. His first assignment comes away in Turkey, before home and away fixtures with Belgium and a home game against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2 that will be his first match in charge on French soil.

In League A, Germany travel to face the Netherlands, and reigning champions Portugal host Wales alongside Norway vs Denmark in Group A4. In League B, the Republic of Ireland open their campaign away to Kosovo in Pristina.

The league phase runs through six matchdays into November, determining seeding for the playoffs and quarter-finals next spring, ahead of the finals in June 2027.