The stage is set for an electrifying UEFA Nations League semifinal showdown, with Germany facing Portugal and Spain taking on France in what promises to be a clash of European football titans. Following a dramatic round of quarterfinals that saw penalty shootouts and extra-time heroics, the final four teams will battle it out in June for a chance to lift the coveted trophy in Munich.
The semifinals, scheduled for June 4 and 5, will see Germany host Portugal at the Munich Football Arena, while Spain and France lock horns at the Stuttgart Arena. These matchups were confirmed after a thrilling weekend of second-leg quarterfinal ties on March 23, which saw all four teams showcase their resilience and quality to advance.
Germany secured their spot with a 5-4 aggregate victory over Italy, surviving a late scare in a 3-3 draw in Dortmund. Julian Nagelsmann’s side raced to a 3-0 lead in the first half, thanks to goals from Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Timo Werner, only for Italy to mount a stunning comeback with Moise Kean’s brace and a stoppage-time penalty from Gianluca Raspadori. However, Germany’s 2-1 win in the first leg proved decisive, and they now carry home advantage into the semifinals.
Portugal, meanwhile, staged a remarkable turnaround against Denmark in Lisbon. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side erupted for a 5-2 victory after extra time, clinching a 5-3 aggregate win. Ronaldo, still a force at 40, scored in regulation time, while Francisco Trincao and Goncalo Ramos struck in extra time to seal Portugal’s place in the final four. The Seleção will look to draw on their experience as inaugural Nations League champions in 2019 as they face a German side eager to claim their first title in this competition.
Defending champions Spain booked their third consecutive semifinal appearance after a heart-pounding 5-4 penalty shootout win over the Netherlands. The second leg at Mestalla ended 3-3 after extra time, with Mikel Oyarzabal’s brace and a stunning Lamine Yamal strike matched by Dutch goals from Memphis Depay, Ian Maatsen, and Xavi Simons. Goalkeeper Unai Simon emerged as the hero, denying Donyell Malen in sudden death, before Pedri slotted home the decisive kick. Spain’s blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned talent will now face a stern test against France.
France, champions in 2021, also needed penalties to overcome Croatia, advancing 5-4 in the shootout after a 2-2 aggregate draw. A 2-0 second-leg win in Lisbon, following a 2-0 first-leg defeat, leveled the tie, with Dayot Upamecano and Randal Kolo Muani scoring crucial goals. Theo Hernandez’s miss in the shootout briefly threatened their hopes, but young Desire Doue’s composure and a vital save from Mike Maignan ensured Les Bleus’ progression. Kylian Mbappe, though yet to fully ignite in the quarterfinals, will be key as France aim to reclaim the title.
The winners of these semifinals will meet in the final on June 8 at the Munich Football Arena, while the losers will contest the third-place playoff earlier that day in Stuttgart. Germany’s hosting of the final tournament adds an extra layer of intrigue, with Nagelsmann’s men looking to capitalize on home support in their quest for glory.
Spain and France enter as slight favorites given their recent pedigree—Spain as reigning European and Nations League champions, and France as World Cup finalists in 2022. However, Portugal’s experience and Ronaldo’s enduring brilliance, combined with Germany’s resurgence under Nagelsmann, make this a fiercely contested final four.