When Zinedine Zidane’s France welcome Sergen Yalcin’s Turkey to the Matmut Stadium in Venissieux this Sunday, November 15, 2026, the final round of the UEFA Nations League Group A stages will spark plenty of intrigue.
Having edged out a tense 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture in Kocaeli back in September, Les Bleus return to home soil seeking maximum points to lock down their quarter-final spot, while Turkey will be keen to end their campaign on a high.
With both managers leaning heavily on elite young talent amidst a demanding autumn schedule, Striver.Football profiles the six young players you should be on the lookout for.
France
1. Jeremy Jacquet
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 21
The Liverpool defender anchors France’s backline with authority and composure. Fresh off logging 57 clearances and four clean sheets across 10 Premier League appearances this season, Jacquet is dominant in the air and posesses elite ball-playing habits.
His 94% UEFA Champions League passing accuracy gives Zidane a reliable deep-lying outlet to bypass Turkey’s aggressive pressing traps.
2. Desire Doue
Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Age: 21
Operating as an explosive inside forward, the Paris Saint-Germain prodigy enters international duty in lethal European form.
Doue has registered three goals and two assists in just three UEFA Champions League matches this campaign, complementing one goal and one assist across nine Ligue 1 outings with a 7.28 FotMob rating.
His sharp close control and 12 completed dribbles in the French top flight will constantly test Turkey’s defence in tight half-spaces.
3. Bradley Barcola
Position: Winger
Age: 24
Competing right alongside France’s young attacking core, the Liverpool winger brings blistering vertical pace and directness to Les Bleus’ transitional attack.
Barcola has notched three assists and nine chances created across eight Premier League appearances alongside three goals in four Champions League outings this autumn while maintaining an 86% pass accuracy.
Expect him to isolate full-backs one-on-one and stretch the Turkish defensive block wide.
Turkey
4. Arda Guler
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 21
The Real Madrid playmaker is the creative heartbeat of Montella’s setup. Guler has created a massive 33 chances alongside three goals and four assists across 12 La Liga appearances this season, operating at an 89% pass completion rate.
In September’s reverse leg against France, he recorded six interceptions, 10 duels won, and two big chances created, underscoring his relentless two-way impact on the international stage.
5. Can Uzun
Position: Attacking Midfielder / False Nine
Age: 21
The Eintracht Frankfurt attacker offers immense tactical flexibility as either a false nine or an advanced central creator.
Uzun has tallied two goals, one assist, and 10 chances created in eight Bundesliga matches while exploding for two goals and three assists in DFB-Pokal action. His intelligent movement between the lines will be crucial to unlocking space behind France’s midfield pivot.
6. Deniz Gul
Position: Striker
Age: 22
Standing as a physical focal point up front at 1.92 meters tall, the Galatasaray target man provides Turkey with an immediate aerial outlet.
Across seven Super Lig appearances (recording six shots and three on target) and earlier minutes in Liga Portugal where he posted a 90% pass accuracy, Gul has demonstrated strong hold-up play and clean link-up distribution.
His physical aerial battles against Jacquet will dictate how effectively Türkiye can relieve pressure and launch rapid counters.
Final thoughts
With France looking to bounce back onto the front foot in Venissieux and Turkey eager to disrupt Group A’s hierarchy, Sunday’s showdown will be decided in the transitions.
Whichever side’s young creators win the central half-spaces—and whichever physical duel between Jacquet and Gül tilts the territory battle—will walk away with the final word in Group A.
