This isn't just any game; it's a rematch of the 2021-22 final! The team that wins this one-off semi-final will move on to face either Germany or Portugal in the championship match on June 8th. The losing team will still play for third place on the same day.
Spain has been on an absolute tear! They racked up an impressive 16 points out of a possible 18 in their League A Group 4 matches, only dropping points in one draw. Their quarter-final clash against the Netherlands in March was an absolute nail-biter.
Both legs ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, and even in extra time, Xavi Simons managed to equalize Lamine Yamal's goal, making it 3-3 and sending the game to penalties. But the Euro 2024 winners held their nerve and won the shootout 5-4.
Currently ranked second in the world by FIFA (just behind Argentina), Spain is on an incredible 20-game unbeaten streak across all competitions! They haven't lost since a 2-0 defeat to Scotland in Euros qualifying back in March 2023. In 16 of those games, they've scored two or more goals.
However, there's a slight crack in their armor: Luis de la Fuente's side hasn't kept a clean sheet in their last four Nations League matches, conceding at least twice in each of their last three. They haven't had a run like that since 1980-81!
Spain is aiming to be the first nation to successfully defend the Nations League title since the competition started in 2018. They've got a good track record in semi-finals, beating Italy 2-1 in their last Nations League semi-final two years ago, and also defeating France by the same scoreline in the Euro 2024 semi-finals last July.
France had a bit of a wobble in the previous Nations League, failing to get out of their group. But they've bounced back strong this year, topping League A Group 2 with 13 points, edging out Italy on goal difference.
Their quarter-final comeback against Croatia was nothing short of dramatic. After losing the first leg 2-0, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele scored in Paris to level the tie and force a penalty shootout. Mike Maignan made a crucial save, and Dayot Upamecano then sealed a 5-4 victory.
Ranked third in the world by FIFA, France has come agonizingly close to silverware in recent major tournaments, losing the 2022 World Cup final and then bowing out in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Now, they're hungry to win their first trophy since lifting the 2021 Nations League, where they famously beat Spain.
Didier Deschamps, who has been at the helm of the French team for almost 13 years (winning 106 of his 167 games!), is reportedly keen to end his successful reign on a high note before stepping down after the 2026 World Cup.
However, beating Spain on Thursday won't be easy. Their last five meetings have been a back-and-forth affair, with France winning three and losing two. Four of those matches were decided by just one goal, including that 2-1 victory in the 2021 Nations League final.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Spain is still without their star midfielder and Ballon d'Or winner, Rodri, who's busy getting back to full fitness with Manchester City for the FIFA Club World Cup. Unfortunately, Barcelona's Ferran Torres is also out of action after having surgery for appendicitis recently.
On the bright side, Isco, the in-form playmaker from Real Betis, could make his first international appearance since 2019! And great news for Barcelona fans: Gavi is back in the senior squad for the first time since his cruciate ligament injury in 2023. He'll be battling for a spot in midfield with his club teammate Pedri, along with Martin Zubimendi and PSG's Champions League winner, Fabian Ruiz.
In defense, young Pau Cubarsi has rejoined the squad after missing the last international break due to injury. The 18-year-old center-back will be pushing for a starting spot, potentially ahead of Real Madrid's new signing, Dean Huijsen. Upfront, we could see Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Nico Williams all supporting Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.
For France, a whopping seven players were involved in the Champions League final, including the "Man of the Match" Desire Doue and Ballon d'Or contender Ousmane Dembele. It'll be interesting to see how coach Didier Deschamps manages their rest and selects his starting lineup after such a big game.
In defense, France is dealing with some absences, as Upamecano, William Saliba, and Jules Kounde are all out with injuries. This means Benjamin Pavard and Malo Gusto will be vying for the right-back spot. Deschamps also has a decision to make at left-sided center-back, choosing between Lucas Hernandez, Clement Lenglet, or uncapped Loic Bade to play alongside Ibrahima Konate.
Upfront, expect to see Kylian Mbappé leading the line as captain. He's incredibly close to reaching 50 international goals, needing just two more! Also, keep an eye out for Rayan Cherki, the Manchester City-linked attacker who's hoping to earn his first senior cap after an amazing season with Lyon.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Le Normand, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, N. Williams; Oyarzabal
France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Pavard, Konate, L. Hernandez, Digne; Tchouameni, Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Kolo Muani, Mbappe
EXPERT PREDICTION
Spain 2-1 France
