Germany have won each of their last five meetings with Portugal, scoring 15 times across these matches, a streak that dates back to Euro 2000. The two now meet in Munich for a place in the UEFA Nations League Final, with Die Mannschaft aiming to extend their dominance and the Portuguese seeking to rewrite the narrative.
Germany vs Portugal preview
The fourth edition of the UEFA Nations League Finals get underway in Munich on Wednesday night, but who will reach Sunday's final, where either Spain or France await?
Of the quartet of teams chasing glory in Bavaria this week, hosts Germany are the only side who've never previously got their hands on this trophy, so can they change that? To get here, Julian Nagelsmann's team first topped Group A3 unbeaten, notably demolishing Bosnia 7-0 in November.
Then, in March's quarter-finals, die Mannschaft came through a very high-scoring tie against Italy, winning 2-1 at San Siro, before racing into a 3-0 half time lead in the second leg at Westfalenstadion. Gli Azzurri did score three times themselves after the break, setting up a nervy finish, but die Nationalelf held on for a 5-4 aggregate victory.
Thus, this will be Germany's first appearance at the Nations League final four, seeking silverware for the first time since lifting the Confederations Cup in Saint Petersburg eight years ago. Nagelsmann's team were so impressive at last summer's Euros, before being ousted by eventual winners Spain in the quarter-finals, now aiming to go all the way on home soil in this competition.
Portugal meantime were the inaugural Nations League champions six years ago, beating Netherlands 1-0 in the final at Estádio do Dragão, but this'll be their first semi-final appearance since then. Like the hosts, Roberto Martínez's team collected 14 points in the group stages, enjoying victories over Croatia, Poland and Scotland, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring five of their 13 goals.
Then, in the quarter-finals, A Seleção das Quinas were seemingly up against it, beaten 1-0 by Denmark in the first leg at Parken. Back in Lisbon, the pair played out a thriller. Francisco Trincão's late strike saw Portugal win 3-2 on the night, thereby forcing extra time, before Trincão again and then Gonçalo Ramos struck during the additional half hour to dump out the exhausted Danes.
Now, Portugal are looking to end their miserable recent record against Germany, losing each of their last five encounters, all coming at either World Cups or European Championships. Almost exactly four years ago, the same two sides met at the same stadium in Munich during Euro 2020; the Germans were 4-2 victors that evening, so will this semi-final go the same way in Bavaria?
Germany vs Portugal head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 19.
- Germany Wins: 11. Draws: 5. Portugal Wins: 3.
Germany team news
First and foremost, Julian Nagelsmann is without Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz all due to injury, while İlkay Gündoğan and Thomas Müller have retired.
In goal, there's no Manuel Neuer anymore either, so the boss has a big decision to make. Marc-André ter Stegen made just two appearances for Barcelona in May after rupturing his patella tendon in September, so will he be trusted to don the gloves, or will Nagelsmann go with either Oliver Baumann or Alexander Nübel, the pair who deputised during his absence?
Out-field, Nagelsmann favours captain Joshua Kimmich at right-back, while potentially Liverpool -bound Florian Wirtz is the headline act from a star-studded midfield. In attack, Deniz Undav is expected to get the nod, chosen over Niclas Füllkrug.
Germany predicted lineup vs Portugal: (4-2-3-1): ter Stegen; Kimmich, Anton, Tah, Mittelstädt; Pavlović, Goretzka, Gnabry, Wirtz, Sané; Undav.
Germany player to watch vs Portugal
We've already mentioned him, but worth highlighting Florian Wirtz further. The 22 year old has six international goals to his name, all coming since March last year, and in the absence of Jamal Musiala, he will be the creative hub of this team at the Nations League Finals.
Portugal team news
No such injury concerns for Roberto Martínez, albeit it remains to be seen if he will pick any of the PSG quartet, namely Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos, after they won the Champions League at this very same stadium a mere four nights ago.
After Martínez's appointment in early 2023, this team had primarily operated out of a back three, albeit he's shifted to a four more recently, so that is what we're expecting here. Bruno Fernandes will continue in a talismanic midfield role, although he pales into insignificance when compared to captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who's currently without a club after leaving Al-Nassr, so will be looking to impress.
Portugal predicted lineup vs Germany: (4-3-3): Costa; Dalot, Rúben Dias, Inácio, Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Jota, Ronaldo.
Portugal player to watch vs Germany
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the Nations League semi-finals six years ago, taking his tally to 136 at international level against Denmark in March. However, he has lost all five previous meetings with Germany, seeking to change that on Wednesday.
Germany vs Portugal prediction
We are backing Germany to make home advantage count in this semi-finals. In truth, this tie is very difficult to call, but we're bacing the tournament hosts to edge through:Germany 2-1 Portugal.
Germany vs Portugal FAQs - UEFA Nations League semi-final
How to watch Germany vs Portugal on TV
Germany vs Portugal will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video: pay-per-view
- USA: Fox Sports 1 and fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Germany vs Portugal on live stream
Germany vs Portugal is available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video: pay-per-view
- USA: Foxsports.com and fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Germany vs Portugal?
Germany vs Portugal takes place on Wednesday 4 June 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).