France training delayed again as Zinedine Zidane faces fresh logistical setback

Zinedine Zidane’s preparations for France’s Nations League meeting with Turkiye were disrupted again after the team’s training session in Bordeaux was delayed because the required sporting equipment had not arrived on time.

France’s squad reached Bordeaux on Friday for Sunday’s fixture after leaving Italy, where they suffered their first defeat under Zidane. Italy came from behind to win 3-1 in Thursday’s previous Nations League match, despite Michael Olise giving France the lead.

The players were due to train at 18:00 at Matmut Atlantique, the stadium that will host the game against Turkiye. However, equipment being transported from the Clairefontaine national football centre failed to arrive as scheduled.

The delay forced the coaching staff to revise their plans, with the session eventually moved back to 19:00. The incident has raised further questions about the organisation of the France set-up, particularly because similar problems have emerged since Zidane took charge.

The defeat by Italy was the former Real Madrid manager’s first with France. Despite the result, Zidane quickly turned his attention to the match against Turkiye, which represents France’s final fixture in the Nations League group stage.

Recurring issues for France

The latest disruption follows difficulties during the team’s journey to Italy. Arrangements for travelling players’ families reportedly caused frustration among several members of the squad and affected the atmosphere before the match.

There had also been organisational problems during France’s September and October camps, including issues involving players’ equipment. Those problems included boots’ studs, socks and the team flag, creating delays during parts of Zidane’s return to the France job.

The French Football Federation held a meeting last Sunday to check that the necessary arrangements were in place and address shortcomings identified during earlier camps. However, the late arrival of the equipment in Bordeaux suggests that some of those problems remain unresolved.

Zidane will now look to put the distractions behind him before Sunday’s match against Turkiye on 15 November 2026. With the group stage nearing its conclusion, France’s staff and players are seeking more stable preparations and an end to the logistical difficulties that have repeatedly interrupted their work.

France’s latest setback came only days after the team’s first loss under Zidane. Having taken the lead through Olise in Italy, they were unable to protect their advantage as the hosts scored three times to secure a 3-1 victory.

The result did not appear to occupy Zidane for long, with the manager instead focusing on the opportunity to finish the group stage strongly against Turkiye. However, the Bordeaux equipment delay has added another unwanted complication before that final Nations League encounter.