UEFA Nations League semi-final: Things to know as Spain takes on France

Germany is the stage tonight as Spain gears up for a thrilling semi-final showdown against France in the 2025 UEFA Nations League.

The MHP Arena in Stuttgart will host what promises to be an intense battle as both powerhouses vie for a spot in the tournament final against Portugal.

With recent history on the line, both Spain and France have triumphed in the last two editions of the competition—expect nothing less than a fierce contest between two of Europe’s elite sides, each determined to continue their quest for glory.

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Les Bleus lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2021, while La Roja struck back by securing the championship in the following edition.

Current form

Spain have been dazzling throughout this campaign, boasting an impressive unbeaten streak of eight matches, which includes five wins and three draws. Key victories against Denmark, Switzerland, and Serbia propelled Luis de la Fuente’s squad to the top of their group with a commanding 16 points.

Following their dominant group stage performance, the reigning 2024 European Champions faced a tough test in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands. After an electrifying two-legged tie that ended 5-5 on aggregate, Spain’s journey came to an end in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

France, meanwhile, have played eight matches but have experienced a few bumps along the way. Under Didier Deschamps, they amassed 13 points through four wins, one draw, and a single loss in a challenging group featuring Italy, Belgium, and Israel. Their path led them to a gripping quarter-final encounter with Croatia.

The quarter-final duel proved to be a classic, with both sides claiming 2-0 home victories over the two legs. Ultimately, France triumphed in the penalty shootout, edging Croatia 5-4 and booking their place in the semi-finals.

Rivalry reignited

France and Spain prepare to reignite one of European football’s most captivating rivalries, a matchup steeped in history and memorable encounters. While Spain hold a slight advantage overall with 17 wins to France’s 13, the French have often been the stronger force when it matters most—claiming six victories to Spain’s three in competitive fixtures.

Their latest high-stakes meeting came at the Euro 2024 semi-finals, where Spain edged out France 2-1. Rapid-fire goals from teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo overturned an early strike by Randal Kolo Muani, sending La Roja through. Yet, it was France who triumphed three years earlier in the UEFA Nations League final, powered by decisive goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappé.

Spain’s lineup shines with emerging talent and youthful exuberance. Lamine Yamal, just 17, has taken the football world by storm following a sensational 2024–25 season at Barcelona, where he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists across all competitions.

Alongside Yamal, players like Nico Williams, Pedri González, and Pau Cubarsí form a dynamic core eager to make their mark on the international stage.

France boast a formidable squad packed with experience and flair. Ousmane Dembélé stands out, coming off a career-best season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored 33 goals and racked up 15 assists, helping his team secure a historic quadruple, including the Champions League title against Inter Milan.

Alongside Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, William Saliba, and Jules Koundé provide the French with a potent mix of creativity, speed, and defensive solidity. Although Dembélé’s recent exertions raise questions about his availability tonight, his influence remains critical.

Tactical battles

Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, favor a 4-3-3 formation that blends meticulous ball control with sudden bursts of attacking intent. With wide attackers like Williams and Yamal stretching defenses and midfield maestros Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, and Dani Olmo orchestrating play, Spain aim to dominate possession while remaining lethal on the break.

France typically set up in a 4-2-3-1, relying on swift counter-attacks to unleash the speed and creativity of Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola, and Olise.

Their disciplined defensive unit, anchored by Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, has been remarkably resilient, conceding only eight goals and keeping three clean sheets in this Nations League campaign.

Who will advance?

With both sides brimming with talent and tactical acumen, tonight’s semi-final promises an enthralling contest.

Spain’s unbeaten run and recent victory over France give them a slight psychological advantage, but the resilience and firepower of the French team ensure this battle will be fiercely contested.

Ultimately, the encounter could come down to moments of individual brilliance or tactical nuance, with Spain slightly favored to defend their chance at back-to-back UEFA Nations League finals.

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