Spain and France square off in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinals, with a spot in the final — where Portugal awaits after defeating Germany — on the line. This heavyweight showdown promises high-intensity soccer, with both sides boasting elite-level attackers and entering the match amid heightened tension stemming from recent Ballon d’Or comments.
Spain enter the semifinal riding the momentum of an electric quarterfinal performance against the Netherlands. In what many consider the most thrilling tie of the tournament so far, Spain drew 2-2 in the first leg and 3-3 in the second before ultimately advancing in penalties, 5-4. Luis de la Fuente’s squad delivered a stunning level of play, and now more than ever, they’ll be relying on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to lead the charge.
Yamal raised eyebrows with recent remarks about the Ballon d’Or, alluding to a preference for year-long consistency over tournament heroics — a comment seen as a subtle jab at Ousmane Dembélé. The French winger recently helped Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League and is a leading Ballon d’Or candidate after completing a treble. Could this semifinal tilt serve as a deciding moment in the award conversation? Time will tell.
France, meanwhile, arrive with more question marks after a nervy quarterfinal against Croatia. After falling 2-0 in the first leg, Didier Deschamps’ men fought back to level the tie 2-2 in the return leg before advancing on penalties, 5-4. Critics remain skeptical of France’s collective structure, noting the team’s reliance on individual brilliance over coordinated team play. But they will be motivated to avenge their loss to Spain in the last European Championship.
Lamine Yamal of Spain looks on during a match vs Netherlands
Spain lineup vs France
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente will be without key players Dani Carvajal, Rodri, and Ferran Torres, all sidelined due to injury. Despite the absences, De la Fuente emphasized that his squad remains focused on making history by becoming the first team to win back-to-back UEFA Nations League titles.
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Spain vs France LIVE: Start time and how to watch 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinals
With Carvajal and Rodri out — two pivotal figures in Spain’s structure — Spain’s starting XI features a mix of youth and experience: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams.
France lineup vs Spain
France, meanwhile, will also need to make defensive adjustments. Manager Didier Deschamps confirmed that Jules Koundé, William Saliba, and Dayot Upamecano will miss the semifinal clash. Deschamps acknowledged the challenge of facing Spain but expressed full confidence in his squad’s ability to advance to the final.
With significant gaps in their backline, France’s starting XI leans on raw talent and attacking firepower to compensate: Mike Maignan; Pierre Kalulu, Ibrahima Konaté, Clément Lenglet, Theo Hernández; Manu Koné, Désiré Doué, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise.
