The air is charged with expectancy. The Nations League semi-finals are here, and the final stages of a tournament that has slowly grown in importance is set up for a thrilling conclusion. It’s not simply another patch of fixtures; it’s a clash of the footballing titans. This is a stage where legends are forged, and new heroes begin to manifest.
From thrilling upsets to resounding comebacks and moments of pure brilliance, the road to the final has been a rollercoaster ride. It’s set the stage for what should be an epic confrontation. European powerhouses are on each side of the bracket, and the UEFA Nations League semi-finals are set.
How the Final Four Earned Their Spots
To appreciate what awaits us, let’s first look back. All four teams had a rockier road to the final four, with each finding their own challenges and showing their own resolve along the way.
A new knockout round was added to the Nations League, introducing yet another layer of intensity into the contest. Qualifying for the finals were the winners of home-and-away quarter-finals between each of the League A group winners and the runners-up. The last tournament is scheduled for June 2025.
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The Nations League semi-finals will take place on the 4th and 5th of June 2025. The winners join the final on 8 June, while the two semi-final losers meet to decide third place earlier the same day. Germany was also the only country to make regulation advances across both legs in the quarter-finals.
Portugal romped to victory in their quarter-final, but the other three quarter-finals all ended in aggregate draws, leading to extra time. Portugal pulling off a comeback against Denmark before the shootout to be in the semi-finals.
Germany vs Portugal: A Clash of European Heavyweights
This is not just Nations League semi-finals; it’s a meeting of continental powerhouses. The hosts, Germany, as usual, play with the weight of expectation. And Portugal, with their experience of footballing history, is never an easy opponent. According to the UEFA Executive Committee, the provisional hosts of this four-team final tournament to be played are the winners of the quarter-final Italy-Germany match.
Germany’s progress to the last eight ensures that the pairs of dedicated stadiums in Munich and Stuttgart will host the matches. Germany reached the last four by winning in normal time over two legs in the quarter-finals. Portugal had it a little tougher, completing a comeback against Denmark but only via penalties to reach their semi-final berth.
Both teams have phenomenal attacking quality. But for Germany, the likes of Jamal Musiala will be key, with his dribbling and vision sure to create issues. Portugal, on the other hand, can turn to a squad full of experience and flair led by Bruno Fernandes.
Both sides have players who can dictate the tempo and unlock defences, making the midfield battle crucial. Expect a tactical tussle, with both sides full of world-class players who can change the course of a game in an instant.
The semi-finals will be played on a one-leg basis. Germany will play Portugal in the semi-finals at the Munich Football Arena on June 4. These two nations have produced classic encounters in the past.
Spain vs France: A Chance to Recreate History
There is a sense of déjà vu about the other semi-final. Spain and France will meet again in the competition as they did in 2021. This rematch gives it an added layer of intrigue. Both teams have changed since then; stars have emerged, and tactical approaches have evolved.
France was the reigning champions, having beaten Spain 2-1 in Milan in 2021. But Spain triumphed in the previous final, defeating Croatia 5-4 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in Rotterdam in 2023. That recent history adds an extra layer of spice to the matchup.
Spain’s possession-dominated approach, often branded “tiki-taka,” will face a stern examination in France’s counterattacking threat and individual talents like Kylian Mbappé. Spain and France eliminated the Netherlands and Croatia.
The effects are still being felt today, whilst all eyes are on whether it will be a case of history repeating itself or whether a new chapter will be written. For neither, this is simply a fixture en route to attaining a final, but bragging rights and emphasising trees on the continent.
The semi-finals will be played over one leg, with the aggregate winners on June 4 and 5 going through to the final on June 8. Spain will meet France in the semi-finals at Stuttgart Arena on June 5.
Tactics Take Center Stage: Trends Shaping the Tournament
Beyond the stars, the Nations League semi-finals provide a tantalising glimpse of the tactical evolution of football. Between constant innovation from coaches, these matches tend to be among the most cogent examples of present-day trends and tactical ideas.
High-pressing has been one of the dominant trends in recent years. Teams are seeking to regain possession in higher positions, unsettling the opponent’s possession and enabling rapid transitions. It takes extraordinary fitness and tactical discipline, but it can pay big dividends.
A second main trend is the growing role of tactical agility. No longer do teams use a single system; they change formations and methods based on what side they are facing and the circumstances of the game. This flexibility forces opponents to adapt themselves and gives a surprise element to the games.
Nations League Semi-finals: Impact on the World Stage
The Nations League doesn’t only concern itself with continental glory; it also has ramifications for the world stage. The tournament indirectly affects the World Cup qualifying process.
As far as the draw for World Cup Qualification goes, each national team entered will be placed in a ranked table according to their performance in the 2024/25 Nations League. In effect, the four highest-ranked teams not to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup will receive a play-off safety net.
This is the journey to Canada, Mexico and the United States. The next four highest-ranked teams that do not subsequently qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup will earn a play-off safety net.
The 12 group runners-up in the European Qualifiers and the four best-rank group winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League by the time the European Qualifiers group stage is completed who do not finish in the top two of their group stage will join them in the play-offs for a place at the World Cup finals.
A Glimpse of Football’s Future
The Nations League semi-finals are not just the end of a tournament; they’re a window into the future of the sport. The passion, the skill, the tactical ingenuity—it all suggests a rousing time for the beautiful game lies ahead.
These games will be talked about for decades. As it enters this new phase, the Nations League has already established itself as one of the leading competitions in the international football calendar.
Main photo credit: IMAGO / Sipa USA