Spain and France will face off in the second UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final on Thursday, 5 June. Here’s our match preview.
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Spain vs France: Preview
The two most recent champions of the UEFA Nations League go head-to-head in Stuttgart in a blockbuster semi-final clash — a rematch of both the 2020/21 final and the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final.
Rejuvenated Spain Eye Back-to-Back Titles
Spain booked their place in the last four with a thrilling victory over the Netherlands. Following a 2-2 draw in Rotterdam, the second leg in Valencia ended 3-3, with La Roja edging the penalty shoot-out 5-4, sealed by Pedri’s decisive strike.
Now, a spot in the final at Munich Football Arena is on the line — the same venue where Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo scored to help Luis de la Fuente’s side defeat France in last year’s showdown.
Champions in 2023 and finalists in 2021, Spain once again find themselves in familiar territory as they chase more UEFA Nations League glory. Fresh off their UEFA EURO 2024 triumph, La Roja return to Germany with eyes set on back-to-back international silverware. Though experienced campaigners like Carvajal and Rodri are absent, Luis de la Fuente has a proven ability to inspire younger, hungry talents. Just last summer, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo were instrumental in dismantling France in the Euros semi-final — can they deliver again? It would be unwise to rule them out.
Spain’s commanding 4-1 win over Switzerland on Matchday 2 — achieved despite playing with ten men for 70 minutes — highlighted the depth and resilience within Luis de la Fuente’s squad. La Roja topped the group stage with 16 points, more than any other side, and shared the best defensive record, conceding just four goals. That made their shaky showing in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands all the more surprising, especially in the second leg where they let their lead slip three times. But as both Nations League titleholders and freshly crowned EURO 2024 champions, Spain found a way yet again, scraping through in a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out.
Luis de la Fuente, a charismatic figure from the Basque region, won La Liga as a full-back with Athletic Club and has since built a reputation as a serial winner in international football. Having guided Spain’s youth teams to European titles — the U19s in 2015 and the U21s in 2019 — he seamlessly transitioned to the senior level, steering the nation to Nations League glory in 2023 and the European crown in 2024. His efforts earned him a contract extension through the 2028 tournament.
His footballing philosophy combines Spain’s traditional focus on ball retention and aggressive pressing with a touch of his own: directness and high-octane attacking play. De la Fuente thrives on high tempo, confident in the technical excellence and sharp decision-making of his players, and works to disrupt opponents before they can settle.
While Spain boasts a roster full of match-winners, it’s hard to look past Lamine Yamal as the most explosive and game-changing talent in the squad — if not the world. At just 17, he’s already the focal point of the team’s attacking play, constantly supplied with the ball and trusted to deliver moments of magic.
Then there’s one of the most inspiring stories in the squad. After going six years without a national call-up — and even spending over half a year without a club not long ago — one Betis player has not only revived his career but has emerged as a leader for both club and country. His consistency and drive earned him a deserved shot at this tournament under De la Fuente.
Spain, notably, are undefeated in their last nine Nations League matches outside their homeland, with five wins and four draws — a testament to their composure and strength on the road.
Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach: “We’re in the final four. We’re playing against a European champion. There are no favourites. Four games, four finals. Germany vs Portugal could be the final of a EURO, or the World Cup. It’s very difficult for me to say we’re favourites when we’re surrounded by such good sides. Anybody can win this.”
Pedri, Spain midfielder: “You don’t play a final-four match like this everyday. We’re super motivated to play in a competition like this. We want to play in the final. We want to look at winning a trophy, not the consequences of not qualifying for a final.”
Driven France Seek Revenge and Redemption
France also progressed via penalties after overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Croatia. Goals from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé levelled the tie in Paris, before Mike Maignan made a crucial save and Dayot Upamecano netted the winner in a 5-4 shoot-out triumph.
A rematch is on the cards. After falling to Spain in the EURO 2024 semi-finals, Kylian Mbappé and his teammates are back, hungry for redemption. With seven players from the squad having featured in the recent Champions League final, Didier Deschamps faces a balancing act as he integrates them back into the fold. Injuries have disrupted his preferred defensive setup, and finding a way to contain the electric Yamal may be decisive in shaping France’s fate.
After opening their Group A2 campaign with a home defeat to Italy, France’s path to the top two looked uncertain. However, three consecutive wins — including a crucial double over Belgium — reignited their campaign. A commanding 3-1 victory against Italy on the final matchday, mirroring their earlier loss, underlined Les Bleus’ revival and clinched top spot. Croatia posed a major threat in the quarter-finals, but Didier Deschamps’ side showed grit, overturning the deficit and ultimately prevailing in a tense penalty shoot-out.
Didier Deschamps, one of football’s most decorated figures, is eyeing a second UEFA Nations League crown after lifting the trophy in 2021. Calm and composed, the World Cup-winning captain and coach brings authority and experience to the dugout. After Spain shattered French hopes in the EURO 2024 semi-finals, Deschamps will be particularly motivated to turn the tables in this high-stakes clash.
France’s long-standing formula for success — a solid defensive core, tireless midfield, and a flair-filled frontline — remains intact. But their fluid and attacking display against Croatia may hint at a tactical evolution. Michael Olise has seamlessly integrated into the squad and brings his signature elegance, operating between the lines or along the right flank.
Kylian Mbappé, despite not scoring in his last seven national team appearances and managing just two in his last 14, will look to carry over his Golden Boot-winning club form onto the international stage. Ousmane Dembélé may be eased in following his Champions League final involvement, but with the likes of Olise and the dynamic Rayan Cherki, Mbappé will have ample creative support.
Cherki, fresh off a breakout season with Lyon where he was named Europa League Young Player of the Year and earned a spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year, has finally earned his senior call-up. Known for his unpredictable brilliance, the 21-year-old now pairs his flair with end product, adding a new dimension to France’s attacking options.
Notably, France were the only team among the final four to win all three of their away fixtures in the group stage — a testament to their consistency and strength on the road.
Didier Deschamps, France coach: “I don’t like the word revenge. This is a different tournament and it’s a new semi-final with an opportunity to get into the final. I’m not going to go back to the [EURO 2024] semi-final last year even though Spain did dominate us, especially in controlling possession. I’m not denying that they were superior in some aspects last time we played them, but I don’t think that there was much between us, and it was a close call.”
Ibrahima Konaté, France defender: “When you are in the semi-finals, it’s not a game you play every day. We’ve got players who have not won a trophy this year so we want to take this trophy home. For me it would be an additional trophy! We hope to get a good performance.”
Spain vs Germany: Recent Form
Spain (most recent first): DDWWWW
France (most recent first): WLWDWW
Spain vs Germany: Head-to-Head
Total Matches Playes: 15
France Win: 6
Spain Win: 7
Draws: 2
Spain vs Germany: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Spain – Team News
Luis de la Fuente typically avoids deploying Pedri in the pivot role — the position he prefers at Barcelona — but how the coach approaches this semi-final challenge could influence where the La Liga champion lines up.
There’s also a selection puzzle in central defence. While Robin Le Normand remains a trusted option for the Basque tactician, young stars Pau Cubarsí and Dean Huijsen have both enjoyed standout seasons and could be handed starting roles in the backline.
Spain – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
- Defenders: Mingueza, Cubarsí, Huijsen, Cucurella
- Midfielders: Pedri, Ruíz, Olmo
- Forwards: Yamal, Williams, Morata
Out: Rodri, Carvajal, Laporte, Ayoze Pérez, Ferran Torres
France – Team News
Seven players in the France squad featured in the Champions League final between Paris and Inter — Lucas Hernandez, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Ousmane Dembélé, Marcus Thuram, and Benjamin Pavard.
Deschamps may need to carefully manage their reintegration ahead of the semi-final. Michael Olise could once again be handed the creative reins to ignite France’s star-studded frontline.
France – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Maignan
- Defenders: Kalulu, Konaté, Lenglet, T. Hernandez
- Midfielders: Koné, Rabiot, Olise
- Forwards: Dembélé, Doué, Mbappé
Out: Camavinga, Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano
Spain vs France: Prediction
Both teams boast an abundance of attacking talent, but the way Deschamps manages the return of several French players fresh from the Champions League final could prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of Thursday’s fascinating showdown.
This clash between two European powerhouses is finely balanced and could easily extend beyond regulation time. While it’s tough to rule out either side, Spain may hold a slight edge — and that could be just enough to see them through to the final.
Prediction: Spain 2-1 France
Where To Watch The Nations League Semi-final LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The UEFA Nations League 2025 second Semi-final semi-final between Spain and France is set to begin at 12:30 AM IST on Friday, June 6, at the MHP Arena, Stuttgart in Germany. The match will be broadcast live on the Sony network and will also be available for live streaming on Sony LIV.
FAQs
Who won the last UEFA Nations League semi-final between Spain and France?
Spain defeated France in the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final, with goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo.
How did Spain qualify for the UEFA Nations League 2024 semi-finals?
Spain advanced to the semi-finals after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over the Netherlands following a 3-3 aggregate draw.
Which French players featured in the Champions League final before the semi-final?
Lucas Hernandez, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Ousmane Dembélé, Marcus Thuram, and Benjamin Pavard played in the final.
Who are the key players to watch in the Spain vs France semi-final?
Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Dani Olmo lead Spain’s charge, while Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Rayan Cherki stand out for France.
What gives Spain the edge over France in the UEFA Nations League semi-final?
Spain enter with strong form, unbeaten in their last nine Nations League away games, and recently lifted both the Nations League and EURO 2024 titles.
