June 4, 2025 — The 2025 UEFA Nations League has reached its final four stage, and the stakes have never been higher. With Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal battling for silverware this week, the tournament has become more than just a warm-up for the 2026 World Cup — it’s now a proving ground for Europe’s elite.
⚔️ Semi-Final Fixtures
- Germany vs Portugal – Munich, Wednesday
- Spain vs France – Stuttgart, Thursday
- 🏆 Final: Sunday in Munich
Though the Nations League lacks the legacy of the Euros or World Cup, recent winners have turned the competition into a springboard for international dominance. France’s 2021 triumph was followed by a World Cup final run. Spain won the 2023 edition and then lifted Euro 2024. The message? Silverware here can lead to something bigger.
🇪🇸 Spain: Defending Champs and Euro Kings
Coach Luis de la Fuente leads a resurgent Spanish team seeking to make history as the first back-to-back Nations League winners. Led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, midfield maestro Pedri, and new Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen, La Roja are dangerous in every department.
Missing Rodri (injury) won’t deter Spain, especially with veteran Isco back in the squad and young striker Samu Aghehowa aiming to fill Spain’s long-standing striker gap.
Spain face their toughest test yet against France, a rematch of the 2021 final. But De la Fuente’s team is unbeaten in 23 competitive matches and eyeing their third trophy in as many years.
🇫🇷 France: Injury-Hit But Still a Threat
France arrive in Stuttgart missing several key defenders — Upamecano, Saliba, Kounde — and midfield star Eduardo Camavinga. Despite this, coach Didier Deschamps can still field a fearsome squad, with Kylian Mbappé and Aurelien Tchouameni leading the charge.
France’s Nations League win in 2021 launched them into the 2022 World Cup final. A second Nations League title would further bolster their case as 2026 favourites, but they’ll need their depleted squad to rise against Spain’s relentless form.
🇩🇪 Germany: The Hosts With a Point to Prove
Germany are the only team in the final four yet to win the Nations League. Coach Julian Nagelsmann knows this is a key moment ahead of hosting the 2026 World Cup. They take on Portugal in Munich, with injury concerns to Musiala, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, and more.
Midfield general Joshua Kimmich earns his 100th cap on Wednesday and admits he still has “a couple more chances” to win big titles after a decade of underachievement. Germany’s best finish since 2014 remains a Euro semi-final, and this week could change their narrative ahead of 2026.
“Even if it’s only a small title, it’s very important for our confidence,” said Nagelsmann. “Trust is fragile, and every win builds it back.”
🇵🇹 Portugal: Ronaldo’s Last Shot?
40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo headlines Portugal’s squad, possibly in his final international campaign. Coach Roberto Martinez also has Champions League winners like Vitinha, Gonçalo Ramos, Nuno Mendes, and João Neves boosting the squad after PSG’s European triumph.
Portugal’s title in 2019 gave them early credibility in the Nations League. Can they reclaim it six years later? Midfielder Rúben Neves says yes: “Tiredness is left behind. Our only focus is to win this title.”
🔥 What’s at Stake Beyond the Trophy
For all four contenders, the 2026 World Cup looms large. The Nations League now acts as a dress rehearsal for global glory — a testing ground for combinations, chemistry, and consistency.
With elite talent, deep squads, and experienced managers, this week’s matches could signal who’s truly ready to take over in 2026.
📌 Predictions?
- Spain vs France: Spain’s cohesion and momentum may overpower France’s depleted defense.
- Germany vs Portugal: Germany will rely on home advantage, but Ronaldo’s experience and Portugal’s midfield depth could tilt the balance.
