Spain vs France Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Nations League 2024-25 semi-final

A footballing rivalry steeped in history is reignited in Stuttgart as Spain and France meet in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League (UNL). The two sides previously faced off in the 2021 final, where France secured a 2-1 victory.

Spain got their revenge with the same scoreline in the Euro 2024 semi-final. They went on to win the European Championship and are currently on an 18-game unbeaten run, with 15 wins and 3 draws, giving them strong momentum going forward.

Manager Luis de la Fuente has surprised many with his selection of new Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen, Barcelona’s Férmin, and Isco, who has received his first call-up since 2019.

Spain will look to make history by becoming the first team to retain the UEFA Nations League title, following their 2-1 semi-final win en route to lifting the trophy last time. Although they remain unbeaten in the competition since 2022 with nine wins and two draws, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four Nations League matches.

Failing to win any silverware since claiming the 2021 UEFA Nations League at Spain’s expense, France have become Europe’s nearly men, reaching the World Cup final and Euro semi-final before falling at crucial moments.

Having previously guided Les Bleus to victories in both the World Cup and the UEFA Nations League, Didier Deschamps now has the chance to replicate those achievements before his planned departure in 2026.

Finding consistency will be key to any more French silverware as they seek back-to-back victories following their second-leg comeback in the quarter-final. Doing so against neighbouring Spain is no small task for France, who have flipped between defeats and victories in each of the last five H2Hs (W2, L3), with four of those matches settled by a single-goal margin.

Players to watch: Dani Olmo scored in the final game of the season for Barcelona, and although he has never found the net in the UEFA Nations League, his most recent goal for Spain was against France.

Real Madrid and France’s Kylian Mbappé ended up on the losing side of the La Liga title race, despite scoring ten goals in his last six club matches and contributing to three goals in his last two head-to-head encounters with Spain (one goal, two assists).

Hot stat: Six of Spain’s last seven UEFA Nations League games featured goals in both halves.

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