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France defeated Türkiye 1-0 at Kocaeli Stadium in the opening round of UEFA Nations League A Group 1, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the only goal before leaving the match with a knee problem.
The first half ended goalless after both sides created chances. Türkiye came close in the fourth minute when Baris Alper Yilmaz's shot was pushed away by goalkeeper Mike Maignan, while Mbappe fired wide in the 17th minute following a pass from Rayan Cherki and a delivery from Michael Olise.
Ferdi Kadioglu's header in the 28th minute was saved by Maignan, while Türkiye goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir denied Olise's effort shortly before halftime.
France broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Mbappe scored to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.
Shortly after the goal, the 27-year-old Real Madrid forward experienced a knee problem and was unable to continue despite attempting to remain in the match.
Mbappe was substituted in the 59th minute, briefly raising concern in the France camp. His condition is expected to become clear Saturday.
Türkiye pushed for an equalizer in the remaining minutes but was unable to score.
Cakir was sent off in the 86th minute following a VAR review as France held on for the 1-0 victory.
The result gave France three points from its opening Nations League match, while Türkiye finished the first round without a point.
In the other Group 1 match, Belgium defeated Italy 2-0 away from home with goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio.
Türkiye will host Italy in Bursa on Monday, Sept. 28, in the second round of group matches, while France will travel to face Belgium the same day.
Eight matches were played across Leagues A, B and C in the opening round.
In League B, Northern Ireland beat Georgia 1-0, Ukraine defeated Hungary 1-0, Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina drew 0-0, and Sweden beat Romania 2-1.
In League C, Armenia defeated Latvia 2-0, while Montenegro beat Cyprus 2-1.
The first round of Nations League matches will conclude Saturday.
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