When two of European football’s grandest nations collide, the world watches. But nobody could have predicted that the UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final between Spain and France at Stuttgart’s MHPArena would become a nine-goal masterpiece etched permanently into the competition’s history books.
On Thursday, 5 June 2025, Spain edged France 5-4 in the highest-scoring match the UEFA Nations League has ever produced. Lamine Yamal, still just 17 years old, was extraordinary — scoring a brace, winning a penalty, and terrorising the French backline from the first whistle to the last. The Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Lineups were debated in the build-up, but it was what happened between the white lines that will be retold for generations.
This is your complete guide — from the official Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Lineups to goals, statistics, tactics, head-to-head records, player ratings, and World Cup implications. Whether you want to know where to watch Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team or dissect every tactical decision, you’ll find it all right here.
Disclaimer: All match details, stats, lineups, and events are based on publicly available data at the time of writing and may change. This content is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any official organization.
Match Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Spain vs France – UEFA Nations League Semi-Final |
| Date | Thursday, 5 June 2025 |
| Venue | MHPArena (Neckarstadion), Stuttgart, Germany |
| Attendance | 51,724 |
| Score | Spain 5 – 4 France |
| Referee | Michael Oliver (England) |
| Competition | 2024–25 UEFA Nations League, Semi-Finals |
| Player of the Match | Lamine Yamal (Spain) |
| Goals (ESP) | Williams 22′, Merino 25′, Yamal 54′ (pen), Pedri 55′, Yamal 67′ |
| Goals (FRA) | Mbappé 59′ (pen), Cherki 79′, Vivian 84′ (OG), Kolo Muani 90+4′ |
Spain entered this semi-final as defending Nations League champions and as reigning European Champions, having dismantled France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals in Munich just 11 months prior. Luis de la Fuente’s side were unbeaten in 23 consecutive competitive internationals heading into Stuttgart.
France, meanwhile, arrived carrying the physical and psychological weight of a Champions League final just days earlier — nine PSG players had featured in Les Bleus’ squad, and the fatigue showed in spells. Didier Deschamps still had Kylian Mbappé leading the line, flanked by Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé, but the French defence — missing both William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano through injury — looked fragile from the opening exchanges.
The result: a nine-goal thriller that delivered a Spain 5-4 victory and a date with Portugal in the Nations League final in Munich on Sunday, 8 June 2025.
Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Lineups
The official Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Lineups confirmed by Luis de la Fuente and Didier Deschamps were as follows:
Spain Starting XI (4-3-3)
| # | Player | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unai Simón | GK | Athletic Club |
| 2 | Pedro Porro | RB | Tottenham Hotspur |
| 5 | Robin Le Normand | CB | Atletico Madrid |
| 16 | Dean Huijsen | CB | Real Madrid |
| 3 | Marc Cucurella | LB | Chelsea |
| 8 | Mikel Merino | CM | Arsenal |
| 14 | Martín Zubimendi | CM | Arsenal |
| 26 | Pedri | CM | FC Barcelona |
| 19 | Lamine Yamal | RW | FC Barcelona |
| 7 | Mikel Oyarzabal | CF | Real Sociedad |
| 11 | Nico Williams | LW | Athletic Club |
Manager: Luis de la Fuente Formation: 4-3-3
Spain Substitutes & Changes
| Time | Out | In |
|---|---|---|
| 64′ | Pedri | Fabián Ruiz |
| 64′ | Nico Williams | Dani Olmo |
| 77′ | Robin Le Normand | Dani Vivian |
| 77′ | Mikel Oyarzabal | Samu Omorodion |
| 90+1′ | Mikel Merino | Gavi |
France Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
| # | Player | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mike Maignan | GK | AC Milan |
| 2 | Pierre Kalulu | RB | Juventus |
| 5 | Ibrahima Konaté | CB | Liverpool |
| 22 | Clément Lenglet | CB | Atletico Madrid |
| 22 | Theo Hernández | LB | AC Milan |
| 8 | Kouadio Koné | DM | AS Roma |
| 6 | Adrien Rabiot | DM | Marseille |
| 11 | Ousmane Dembélé | RM | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 14 | Michael Olise | AM | Bayern Munich |
| 10 | Désiré Doué | LM | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 9 | Kylian Mbappé (C) | ST | Real Madrid |
Manager: Didier Deschamps Formation: 4-2-3-1
France Substitutes & Changes
| Time | Out | In |
|---|---|---|
| 63′ | Désiré Doué | Bradley Barcola |
| 63′ | Pierre Kalulu | Malo Gusto |
| 64′ | Michael Olise | Rayan Cherki |
| 72′ | Clément Lenglet | Lucas Hernández |
| 76′ | Ousmane Dembélé | Randal Kolo Muani |
Match Events: Minute-by-Minute Goals & Key Moments
The nine goals across 90+ pulsating minutes made this the highest-scoring game in Nations League history. Here is every key moment from the Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team clash:
| Time | Event | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-match | – | Kick-off | 0–0 |
| ~10′ | Shot saved | Mbappé (FRA) | 0–0 |
| ~15′ | Crossbar hit | Theo Hernández (FRA) | 0–0 |
| 22′ | ⚽ GOAL | Nico Williams (ESP) — assist: Oyarzabal | 1–0 |
| 25′ | ⚽ GOAL | Mikel Merino (ESP) — assist: Oyarzabal | 2–0 |
| 45+2′ | Half-Time | – | 2–0 |
| 51′ | 🟨 Yellow Card | Adrien Rabiot (FRA) | – |
| 53′/54′ | ⚽ GOAL (Pen) | Lamine Yamal (ESP) — foul by Rabiot on Yamal | 3–0 |
| 55′ | ⚽ GOAL | Pedri (ESP) — assist: Nico Williams | 4–0 |
| 59′ | ⚽ GOAL (Pen) | Kylian Mbappé (FRA) — foul by Porro on Mbappé | 4–1 |
| 63′ | 🔄 Sub | Doué→Barcola; Kalulu→Gusto (FRA) | – |
| 64′ | 🔄 Sub | Olise→Cherki; Pedri→Fabián Ruiz; Williams→Olmo (ESP/FRA) | – |
| 67′ | ⚽ GOAL | Lamine Yamal (ESP) — poked finish | 5–1 |
| 72′ | 🔄 Sub | Lenglet→Lucas Hernández (FRA) | – |
| 76′ | 🔄 Sub | Dembélé→Kolo Muani (FRA) | – |
| 77′ | 🔄 Sub | Le Normand→Vivian; Oyarzabal→Samu (ESP) | – |
| 79′ | ⚽ GOAL | Rayan Cherki (FRA) — stunning 20-metre strike | 5–2 |
| 84′ | ⚽ GOAL (OG) | Dani Vivian (ESP) — Malo Gusto cross | 5–3 |
| 90+1′ | 🔄 Sub | Merino→Gavi (ESP) | – |
| 90+4′ | ⚽ GOAL | Randal Kolo Muani (FRA) — header, assist: Cherki | 5–4 |
| 90+5′ | 🟨 Yellow Card | Kolo Muani (FRA) | – |
| 90+6′ | 🟨 Yellow Card | Gavi (ESP) | – |
| 90+6′ | Full-Time | Spain 5–4 France | ✅ |
Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Stats
The Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Stats tell a fascinating story. France dominated possession but Spain were devastatingly clinical on the counter.
| Statistic | Spain 🇪🇸 | France 🇫🇷 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 5 | 4 |
| Possession | 43.4% | 56.6% |
| Total Shots | 16 | 24 |
| Shots on Target | 8 | 9 |
| Shots off Target | 0 | 8 |
| Blocked Shots | 8 | 7 |
| Shots Inside Box | 15 | 17 |
| Shots Outside Box | 1 | 7 |
| Corners | 4 | 6 |
| Fouls Committed | 17 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 4 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
| Total Passes | 393 | 503 |
| Pass Accuracy | 82% | 90% |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 6 | 3 |
| xG (Expected Goals) | 2.94 | 2.76 |
| xG on Target | 3.30 | 2.93 |
Key Takeaway: France had more of the ball and created more shots, yet Spain’s clinical edge in front of goal and the genius of Lamine Yamal proved decisive. Spain’s 5 goals from 16 shots (31.25% conversion rate) was a masterclass in efficiency.
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Player Ratings
Spain Player Ratings
| Player | Position | Rating /10 | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unai Simón | GK | 7.0 | 6 saves; reliable under pressure |
| Pedro Porro | RB | 6.5 | Good going forward; conceded Mbappé penalty |
| Robin Le Normand | CB | 6.5 | Commanding until substituted 77′ |
| Dean Huijsen | CB | 6.8 | Mature display from the 20-year-old |
| Marc Cucurella | LB | 7.0 | Solid defensively; good in transition |
| Mikel Merino | CM | 8.0 | Goal + assist; engine of the midfield |
| Martín Zubimendi | CM | 7.5 | Excellent defensive shield and passing range |
| Pedri | CM | 8.5 | Brilliant before substitution; composed finish |
| Lamine Yamal | RW | 9.5 | 2 goals, 1 penalty won; POTM; unstoppable |
| Mikel Oyarzabal | CF | 8.0 | 2 key assists; excellent link-up play |
| Nico Williams | LW | 8.5 | Opening goal; constant threat; key assist for Pedri |
| Fabián Ruiz | CM (sub) | 7.0 | Helped manage the closing stages |
| Dani Olmo | RW (sub) | 6.5 | Energetic cameo |
| Dani Vivian | CB (sub) | 4.5 | Unfortunate own goal on debut |
| Samu Omorodion | ST (sub) | 6.0 | Limited impact but held the line |
| Gavi | CM (sub) | 5.5 | Yellow card in stoppage time |
France Player Ratings
| Player | Position | Rating /10 | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Maignan | GK | 5.5 | Only 3 saves; beaten 5 times |
| Pierre Kalulu | RB | 5.5 | Replaced at 63′ after struggling |
| Ibrahima Konaté | CB | 6.0 | Physical but repeatedly exposed |
| Clément Lenglet | CB | 5.5 | Shaky; replaced at 72′ |
| Theo Hernández | LB | 7.0 | Hit the crossbar; aggressive throughout |
| Kouadio Koné | DM | 6.0 | Busy but overrun in key moments |
| Adrien Rabiot | DM | 5.5 | Yellow card, conceded penalty for Yamal |
| Ousmane Dembélé | RM | 6.0 | Flashes of quality but fatigued |
| Michael Olise | AM | 6.5 | Inventive; replaced 64′ |
| Désiré Doué | LM | 6.0 | Tested Simón twice; replaced 63′ |
| Kylian Mbappé | ST | 6.5 | Penalty goal; ended 7-game goal drought |
| Rayan Cherki | FW (sub) | 8.0 | Stunning debut goal + assist; standout sub |
| Randal Kolo Muani | ST (sub) | 7.0 | Powerful header; nearly sparked miracle comeback |
| Malo Gusto | RB (sub) | 7.0 | Dangerous cross for Vivian own goal |
| Bradley Barcola | LW (sub) | 6.5 | Lively cameo, caused problems |
| Lucas Hernández | CB (sub) | 6.0 | Steadied the ship briefly |
Tactical Analysis
Spain’s Counter-Attacking Brilliance
Despite surrendering the majority of possession (43.4%), Luis de la Fuente’s 4-3-3 was a masterwork of structured defending followed by explosive transition. The key was the positioning of Mikel Oyarzabal as a false nine — constantly spinning between France’s two centre-backs to create the corridors in which Yamal and Nico Williams could accelerate.
Spain’s first two goals were almost identical in construction: midfield recovery, quick vertical pass to Oyarzabal, who held his run and slid a through ball into the path of the onrushing attacker. Merino’s goal was a particular gem — the Arsenal midfielder’s perfectly timed run from deep matched only by the precision of Oyarzabal’s clipped return pass.
Zubimendi was the unsung hero — acting as the single pivot in the 4-3-3, he screened the back four effectively and recycled possession quickly to reset Spain’s counter-attacking momentum. Pedri’s energy before his 64th-minute substitution also gave Spain a creative outlet in central zones.
France’s Possession Trap and Its Limitations
France controlled 56.6% of the ball and generated 24 shots, but their finishing was wasteful. Theo Hernández clattered the crossbar in the first half, and Désiré Doué and Dembélé both missed presentable opportunities before Spain made them pay.
The key tactical flaw was France’s high defensive line — one that world-class attackers like Yamal exploit mercilessly. Rabiot and Koné in the double pivot provided insufficient cover for the spaces behind them, and Lamine Yamal consistently found the gaps between right-back Kalulu and centre-back Lenglet.
Deschamps’ mid-game changes — bringing on Cherki, Barcola, Gusto, and Kolo Muani — ignited the comeback from 5-1 to 5-4, but it was too little, too late. The identity of those substitutes revealed a broader question about the starting XI’s fitness levels, still feeling the physical toll of Saturday’s Champions League final.
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Head-to-Head Record: Spain vs France
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings | 38 |
| Spain Wins | 17 |
| Draws | 8 |
| France Wins | 13 |
| Spain Goals Scored | 67 |
| France Goals Scored | 57 |
Recent Head-to-Head Results (Last 5 Meetings)
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Jun 2025 | UEFA Nations League Semi-Final | Spain 5–4 France |
| 9 Jul 2024 | UEFA Euro 2024 Semi-Final | Spain 2–1 France |
| 10 Oct 2021 | UEFA Nations League Final | France 2–1 Spain |
| 7 Oct 2021 | UEFA Nations League Semi-Final | Spain 2–1 France |
| 28 Jun 2021 | UEFA Euro 2020 Round of 16 | France 3–3 Spain (France won 5-3 on pens) |
Spain have won four of the last five meetings against France, with France’s only victory coming in the 2021 Nations League Final. Spain have now beaten France in back-to-back semi-finals at major tournaments.
Recent Form
Spain – Last 5 Competitive Matches
| Date | Opposition | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Jun 2025 | France | W 5–4 | Nations League SF |
| 27 Mar 2025 | Netherlands | W (pens) | Nations League QF (2nd leg) |
| 24 Mar 2025 | Netherlands | D 2–2 | Nations League QF (1st leg) |
| Nov 2024 | Various | W/D | Nations League Group Stage |
| Jul 2024 | England | W 2–1 | Euro 2024 Final |
Spain were unbeaten in 23 competitive internationals before this semi-final and extended that run to 24.
France – Last 5 Competitive Matches
| Date | Opposition | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Jun 2025 | Spain | L 4–5 | Nations League SF |
| Apr 2025 | Croatia | W (pens) | Nations League QF |
| Nov 2024 | Italy | W 3–1 | Nations League Group |
| Oct 2024 | Belgium | W | Nations League Group |
| Jul 2024 | Spain | L 1–2 | Euro 2024 SF |
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Key Players Spotlight
🌟 Lamine Yamal (Spain) — Player of the Match
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal delivered one of the great individual semi-final performances in international football. His two goals — a nerveless penalty conversion in the 54th minute and a composed poked finish in the 67th — were just part of his contribution. He was a constant source of danger, drawing the foul from Rabiot that led to the first penalty and regularly beating his marker Kalulu with ease.
The UEFA Technical Observer Group awarded him the Player of the Match, noting: “He scored two goals, but more important was that he was a constant threat in attack, playing with unbelievable maturity for his age.” Yamal’s performances cement his status as the favourite for the next Ballon d’Or.
🌟 Nico Williams (Spain)
The Athletic Club winger opened the scoring with a powerful close-range finish and provided the assist for Pedri’s fourth goal. His explosive pace down the left wing was a persistent problem for France throughout the first half, and alongside Yamal on the right, he formed arguably the most exciting attacking wide pair in international football right now.
🌟 Rayan Cherki (France) — Debut Sensation
In arguably the most remarkable debut in recent international football history, the 20-year-old Lyon forward (on loan to Paris Saint-Germain) came on as a 64th-minute substitute and proceeded to score a stunning 20-metre strike and set up Kolo Muani’s header. He single-handedly resurrected the French comeback and will surely be integral to Les Bleus’ World Cup 2026 preparations.
🌟 Kylian Mbappé (France)
Mbappé ended a run of seven international games without a goal by converting a penalty in the 59th minute. Though his overall performance was below his highest standards — evidence, perhaps, of post-Champions League fatigue — he led the line with characteristic intensity and will use this near-miss as fuel for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
Squad Depth Comparison
| Category | Spain 🇪🇸 | France 🇫🇷 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting GK | Unai Simón | Mike Maignan |
| Backup GK | David Raya | Alphonse Areola |
| Key Absentees | Rodri, Carvajal, I. Martínez, Ferran Torres | Saliba, Upamecano |
| Best Young Player | Lamine Yamal (17) | Rayan Cherki (20) |
| Top Scorer in Squad | Morata (34 goals) | Mbappé (48 goals) |
| Tactical Flexibility | High (multiple formations) | Moderate |
| Tournament Experience | Euro 2024 winners, NL 2023 winners | NL 2021 winners, 2022 WC runners-up |
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Where to Watch Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team
For those asking where to watch Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team future fixtures or replays of this semi-final, here are the primary broadcast platforms:
| Region | Broadcaster / Platform |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | FS1, Fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, ViX |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Sky Sports, TNT Sports |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | DAZN, ZDF |
| 🇫🇷 France | M6, TF1 |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | TVE, RTVE Play |
| 🌍 Global | UEFA.tv (highlights), YouTube (official clips) |
Tournament Implications: Nations League & World Cup 2026
Nations League Final
Spain advance to a record third consecutive UEFA Nations League final, where they will face neighbours Portugal in Munich on Sunday, 8 June 2025. A victory would make Spain the first team ever to successfully defend the Nations League title, a remarkable achievement for Luis de la Fuente’s group.
France, meanwhile, face Germany in the third-place play-off in Stuttgart on the same day.
World Cup 2026 Qualifying Pathway
The Nations League has important implications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Under UEFA’s qualification rules, the four highest-ranked Nations League group winners that do not finish in the top two of their World Cup qualifying groups will receive a play-off berth. This incentivises Nations League success as an insurance policy for World Cup qualification.
Spain, already in dominant form in their qualifying group, are well-positioned to qualify automatically. For France, the Nations League provides a crucial safety net given the competitive nature of their qualifying group.
Both nations will also carry momentum — or the lack thereof — into the 2026 World Cup as they attempt to end Europe’s dominance of the tournament since 2018.
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Conclusion
The Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team semi-final on 5 June 2025 was simply one of the greatest international matches of the modern era. Nine goals, a teen sensation in Lamine Yamal lighting up Stuttgart, a France comeback that nearly completed the unthinkable, and a final scoreline of 5-4 that will live long in the memory.
The Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Lineups were closely watched before kick-off, and both managers made bold calls — but it was de la Fuente’s trust in a 17-year-old and the supporting cast around him that proved decisive. Reviewing the Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Stats, the numbers confirm what the eyes saw: France had more of the ball and more shots, but Spain had Yamal.
Spain march on to Munich and a date with Portugal, while France must regroup for the third-place play-off and begin the long preparation for the World Cup. One thing is certain: when these two nations next meet, football fans across the world will stop whatever they are doing and watch.
❓ FAQs
Q. What was the final score in the Spain vs France Nations League 2025 semi-final?
Spain beat France 5-4 in a nine-goal thriller at the MHPArena in Stuttgart on 5 June 2025.
Q. What were the official Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Lineups?
Spain lined up in a 4-3-3 with Unai Simón in goal and Yamal, Oyarzabal, and Nico Williams in attack. France deployed a 4-2-3-1 with Mbappé as the lone striker supported by Dembélé, Olise, and Doué.
Q. Who scored for Spain against France?
Nico Williams (22′), Mikel Merino (25′), Lamine Yamal (54′ pen, 67′), and Pedri (55′) scored for Spain.
Q. Who scored for France against Spain?
Kylian Mbappé (59′ pen), Rayan Cherki (79′), an own goal by Dani Vivian (84′), and Randal Kolo Muani (90+4′).
Q. Who was the Player of the Match?
Lamine Yamal of Spain was named Player of the Match by the UEFA Technical Observer Group.
Q. Where was Spain vs France played?
The match was played at the MHPArena (also known as Neckarstadion), Stuttgart, Germany, in front of an attendance of 51,724.
Q. What are the Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team Stats?
Spain had 43.4% possession and 16 shots (8 on target), while France had 56.6% possession and 24 shots (9 on target). Spain’s goalkeeper made 6 saves; France’s made 3.
Q. Where to watch Spain National Football Team Vs France National Football Team?
In the USA, the match was available on FS1, Fubo TV, and DirecTV Stream. In the UK on Sky Sports. Highlights are available on UEFA.tv.
