Spain have won six of their last nine meetings with France, with Les Bleus enjoying just two victories during this period. However, their only previous UEFA Nations League clash came in the competition's final four years ago, in which the French prevailed 2-1 at San Siro, thanks to Kylian Mbappé's late winner.
Spain vs France preview
Between them, these two global powerhouses have won three World Cups, six Euros, two Confederations Cups and two Nations League titles, with both seeking more silverware in Germany.
Spain are on the cusp of a third successive Nations League Final appearance, losing to France in Milan in 2021, but then getting their hands on the trophy two years later, overcoming Croatia in a dramatic penalty shootout in Rotterdam. 12 months later, Luis de la Fuente's team then also went all the way at the European Championships last summer, ousting France in the semis in Munich, before a 2-1 victory over England at the Olympiastadion saw them capture a fourth continental crown.
Well, in the last 12 months, la Furia Roja have continued their red-hot form, cruising to top spot in their Nations League group, accumulating 16 points out of a possible 18. They then played out a thrilling two-legged quarter-final with the Netherlands. Mikel Merino's late equaliser saw them snatch a 2-2 draw at De Kuip, before the duo drew 3-3 at Mestalla three nights later, Mikel Oyarzabal on target twice, with Spain sneaking through via a penalty shootout. This team are currently unbeaten in 23 competitive international, so will they continue this streak in Stuttgart on Thursday?
France meantime are seeking to avenge their aforementioned exit at the hands of the Spanish in the semi-finals of last summer's Euros. Since then, Didier Deschamps' side, just about, topped their Nations League group, pipping Italy to first place by virtue of goal difference, thanks to a dramatic last day 3-1 win at San Siro in November; Adrien Rabiot the unlikely two-goal hero.
Then, in the quarter-finals, les Bleus were beaten 2-0 by Croatia in the first leg in Split, only for stunning strikes from both Michael Olise and then Ousmane Dembélé to force a penalty shootout at Stade de France. Both Jules Koundé and Théo Hernandez missed from 12 yards, but Mike Maignan was the hero, making two saves to send his team through. With Deschamps departing after next summer's World Cup, he'll have been head coach for 14 years by then, time is running out for him to lift more major silverware with France, so will his side get through this semi-final at Neckarstadion?
Spain vs France head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 37.
- Spain Wins: 17. Draws: 7. France Wins: 13.
Spain team news
Luis de la Fuente is without the injured Dani Carvajal, Iñigo Martínez, Rodri and Ferran Torres. In goal, David Raya started the first five Nations League group games but, since returning from injury, Unai Simón has been reinstated as the number one, getting the nod for both legs of the quarter-finals.
Meantime, Dean Huijsen made his international debut during the two fixtures in March, so could the Real Madrid-bound 20 year old partner teenager Pau Cubarsí at the back? After starring for Real Betis this season, Isco has been recalled, hoping to earn his first cap since June 2019.
In attack, having scored twice against the Netherlands in Valencia, as well as the winner in last July's Euros Final, Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to lead the line, chosen over captain Álvaro Morata.
Spain predicted lineup vs France: (4-3-3): Simón; Porro, Huijsen, Cubarsí, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián; Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
Spain player to watch vs France
Lamine Yamal scored the stunning equaliser against France when the pair last met, and the 17 year old will continue to be la Roja's most dangerous attacker.
France team news
Meantime, Didier Deschamps cannot call upon Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Eduardo Camavinga or the retired Antoine Griezmann. Without three key defenders, it's tough to forecast who will partner Ibrahima Konaté; both Loïc Badé and Pierre Kalulu are currently uncapped.
Last time out, two down from the first leg in Croatia, Deschamps was forced to go for it in Paris and his team played much better, with supporters desperate to see a similarly attacking lineup deployed here too.
France predicted lineup vs Spain: (4-3-3): Maignan; Pavard, Konaté, L Hernández; T Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Doué, Olise, Dembélé; Mbappé.
France player to watch vs Spain
Kylian Mbappé already has 48 international goals to his name, just nine adrift Olivier Giroud's all-time record. He was the match-winner against Spain in the 2021 Nations League Final in Milan, so will les Bleus captain be the difference here too?
Spain vs France prediction
As was the case 11 months ago in Munich, we're backing Spain to overcome France in a semi-final, although this Thursday night meeting in Stuttgart is so tough to call: Spain 2-1 France.
Spain vs France FAQs - UEFA Nations League semi-final
How to watch Spain vs France on TV
Spain vs France 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 Spain vs France on live stream
Spain vs France 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 Spain vs France?
Spain vs France takes place on Thursday 5 June 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).