Spain vs France: UEFA Nations League Semi-Final Preview, Team News & Prediction
The reigning UEFA Nations League champions Spain are set to clash with France in a blockbuster semi-final at the MHPArena in Stuttgart on Thursday night. A high-stakes encounter awaits, with the winner advancing to the final on June 8 to face either Germany or Portugal, while the loser will compete in the third-place playoff on the same day.
Spain Eyeing Back-to-Back Nations League Titles
Spain arrive in the final four of the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League on the back of a scintillating run of form. After topping League A Group 4 with 16 points from six matches (W5 D1), La Roja survived a thrilling two-legged quarter-final battle against the Netherlands, eventually progressing via a penalty shootout after both matches ended 2-2 in regulation and extra time.
Luis de la Fuente’s men are unbeaten in their last 20 matches across all competitions (W15 D5), a streak that dates back to March 2023 when they suffered a 2-0 loss to Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying. Spain have netted two or more goals in 16 of those games, highlighting their attacking threat.
However, their defensive record in the Nations League raises concerns. Spain have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four UNL fixtures and conceded at least twice in each of the last three—a trend they’ll be desperate to correct on Thursday night.
Having lifted the Euro 2024 title and aiming to become the first team to retain the UEFA Nations League title, Spain will be motivated to extend their dominance on the European stage.
❗Here's a reminder, defending Champions, Spain will face France on Thursday, 5th of June at 21:00 CET in Stuttgart, at the UEFA Nations League Semi Finals.
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) June 1, 2025
Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Cubarsí, Fermín are in the squad. pic.twitter.com/IIyt1UiOtC
France Determined to End Trophy Drought
For France, the road to the semi-final has been equally dramatic. Despite finishing third in their Nations League group last season, Les Bleus bounced back strongly in the current campaign by securing the top spot in League A Group 2—level on points with Italy, but ahead on goal difference.
In the quarter-finals, Didier Deschamps‘ side overcame a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Croatia, with goals from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele forcing extra time and penalties. A heroic display from Mike Maignan, who saved a crucial spot kick, saw France advance with a 5-4 shootout victory.
France, currently ranked third in the FIFA World Rankings, are eager to capture their first major trophy since winning the 2021 UEFA Nations League, which, ironically, came via a 2-1 win over Spain in the final.
With Deschamps planning to step down after the 2026 World Cup, this could be one of his last opportunities to lead France to silverware. However, their recent inconsistency against Spain—winning three and losing two of their last five meetings—adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the tie.
Our 5 Champions League winners are back at Clairefontaine! 🤗#FiersdetreBleus
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) June 3, 2025
pic.twitter.com/LKU3sAxhGI
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Spain Team News:
Spain will be without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who continues rehabilitation with Manchester City. Ferran Torres is also ruled out after undergoing surgery for appendicitis.
However, the squad has been bolstered by the return of several key names:
- Isco is in contention for his first Spain appearance since 2019.
- Gavi returns after recovering from a long-term ACL injury.
- Pau Cubarsi is back and pushing for a start alongside Robin Le Normand.
Up front, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo are expected to support Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.
Spain predicted XI:
Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Robin Le Normand, Marc Cucurella; Martin Zubimendi, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams; Mikel Oyarzabal
France Team News:
France will be forced into defensive changes due to injuries to Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, and Jules Kounde. This opens the door for Benjamin Pavard and Malo Gusto at right-back, while Lucas Hernandez, Clement Lenglet, and uncapped Loic Bade are options to partner Ibrahima Konate in central defence.
A number of players, including Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, featured in the Champions League final, and their fitness may influence Deschamps’ selection.
Kylian Mbappe, now on 48 international goals, will captain the side in attack. Rising star Rayan Cherki, who impressed for Lyon, is pushing for his senior debut.
France predicted XI:
Mike Maignan; Benjamin Pavard, Ibrahima Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappe
Lamine Yamal when asked who he would vote for to be the next Ballon d'Or winner 👀
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 2, 2025
On Thursday, he has a chance at playing it out against Dembele 😮 pic.twitter.com/H8yOxBos7G
Key Stats
- Spain are unbeaten in 20 straight matches across all competitions.
- France have lost just once in their last 10 Nations League games.
- Four of the last five Spain vs France meetings were decided by a single goal.
- Kylian Mbappe is two goals shy of hitting 50 for the national team.
- Spain are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back UEFA Nations League titles.
Spain vs France Head-to-Head
Last 5 meetings:
- Spain 2-1 France – Euro 2024 semi-final
- France 2-1 Spain – 2021 Nations League final
- Spain 0-1 France – Friendly
- France 0-1 Spain – Friendly
- France 1-0 Spain – World Cup Qualifier
These two European powerhouses have produced tightly contested affairs in recent years, and Thursday’s semi-final promises to be no different.
Yamal or Doué - The Future of Football? 🔮
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) June 2, 2025
Watch the UEFA Nations League Semifinal - Spain 🆚 France - LIVE on Sony LIV 📲 #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/LWWA7rDVsI
SM Prediction: Spain 2-1 France (After Extra Time)
Expect a tense, tactical battle between two elite sides with world-class talent on both ends. Spain’s cohesion and momentum could be the difference, especially if Deschamps is forced to rotate or manage tired legs following the Champions League final.
While France are more than capable of pulling off a win, La Roja’s fluid attack and midfield control may just edge them into the final after extra time.
