After Portugal`s 2-1 victory over Germany in the first semifinal of the 2025 UEFA Nations League, France is set to face Spain in the other semifinal on Thursday. The winner will advance to play Portugal in the final on Sunday at the Allianz Arena in Munich. France will feature several key players from PSG`s recent Champions League final win against Inter, while Spain aims to defend the Nations League title they won in the previous edition.
Here`s a look at the match details and key talking points:
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, June 5, 3 p.m. ET
- Location: MHP Arena — Stuttgart, Germany
- TV: FS1 | Live stream: Fubo
- Odds: Spain +175; Draw +175; France +210
Last Meeting
Spain and France last met in a dramatic 2-1 semifinal during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in July 2024. Luis de la Fuente`s side achieved a comeback victory with goals from Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal, after Randal Kolo Muani had given France the lead. That win propelled Spain into the Euro 2024 final, where they defeated England to lift the trophy.
Key Player Analysis
Kylian Mbappe: Despite Real Madrid`s overall campaign, it was a positive debut season for Mbappe with the club, scoring 31 goals in 34 league appearances under former coach Carlo Ancelotti. As the club prepares for a new era under Xabi Alonso, Mbappe will be looking to secure silverware with the national team this season.
Lamine Yamal, Spain: The young Spanish star has had a phenomenal season with Barcelona. After being a key figure in Spain`s Euro 2024 victory, he aims to add another trophy with the national team this season. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente commented on his potential, stating, “Lamine`s trajectory in the future is going to be great. But it`s our responsibility to take care of all the little details that are even more important than footballing ability. He`s going to have a fantastic future. If he keeps progressing like this, he could be a footballing legend.”
Predicted Lineups
Spain XI: Unai Simon; Oscar Mingueza, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams; Alvaro Morata.
France XI: Mike Maignan; Pierre Kalulu, Ibrahima Konate, Clement Lenglet, Theo Hernandez; Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue; Kylian Mbappe.
Prediction
Some French players might still be celebrating PSG`s Champions League win, which could give Spain an edge. This is why Spain is favored to advance and face Portugal in Sunday`s final. Predicted Score: Spain 2, France 1.
Dominic Ashworth