Germany and France will meet in Stuttgart on Sunday afternoon to battle for third place in the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League—a consolation prize for two European heavyweights who had hoped for much more.
Germany’s semi-final against Portugal, played in front of a home crowd in Munich, ended in disappointment. Despite taking the lead through Florian Wirtz, they couldn’t hold on. Cristiano Ronaldo and Francisco Conceição flipped the game in the final 30 minutes, handing Germany a rare defeat on home soil.
It was a tough blow for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, who had looked strong throughout the tournament—cruising through the group stage and edging out Italy in an exciting quarter-final tie. Now, instead of fighting for the title, they’ll settle for a shot at third place.
Germany are already shifting focus to the 2026 World Cup, where they’ll aim for a fifth title. Their qualifying campaign begins in September against Slovakia, but Sunday’s clash still holds value—a high-profile test against a major rival. They’ve only lost two of their last 12 home games and have beaten France in a couple of recent friendlies. However, it’s worth noting that France won their most recent competitive meeting at Euro 2020 and hold a slight edge historically with 15 wins to Germany’s 11.
France’s semi-final was nothing short of chaos—a 5-4 loss to Spain in what became the highest-scoring match in Nations League history. Despite falling behind by four goals twice, Les Bleus staged a furious late comeback, sparked by debutant Rayan Cherki’s stunning strike. An own goal and a Randal Kolo Muani header brought them within touching distance, but they simply ran out of time.
It was the first time France have conceded five goals in a match since 1969, and the performance left manager Didier Deschamps visibly furious on the sidelines.
France, like Germany, were hoping for more this summer. After losing the 2022 World Cup final and going out in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, this tournament looked like a chance to finally claim silverware again. But now, the 2021 Nations League title remains their most recent major win.
Still, there’s something to play for on Sunday. After topping their group and overcoming Croatia in the quarters, France will look to finish the campaign on a high before turning their attention to World Cup qualifiers this September—likely the final major tournament for Deschamps as head coach.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
With not much more than pride at stake on Sunday, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann is expected to rotate his squad, giving fringe players a chance to shine. That could open the door for the likes of Deniz Undav, Pascal Groß, Robin Gosens, and Serge Gnabry to get some minutes.
After nine months out with injury, Marc-André ter Stegen should keep his place in goal, ahead of Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel. Sunday’s match also marks a special occasion for captain Joshua Kimmich, who came through the youth ranks at Stuttgart and is set to earn his 101st cap for Germany.
Nagelsmann has had to manage without several key players this month. The injury list includes Kai Havertz (hamstring), Jamal Musiala (hamstring), Antonio Rüdiger (knee), Nico Schlotterbeck (knee), Yann Aurel Bisseck (leg), Benjamin Henrichs (Achilles), Tim Kleindienst (knee), and Angelo Stiller (ankle).
On the French side, Didier Deschamps is facing defensive headaches of his own. With Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, and Jules Koundé all sidelined, Clément Lenglet was recalled and partnered Ibrahima Konaté in the 5-4 loss to Spain.
Deschamps has a few options to reshuffle the backline. Pierre Kalulu, Benjamin Pavard, and Malo Gusto are all in the mix for the right-back role, while Lucas Hernandez or uncapped Loïc Badé could slot in alongside Konaté in central defence.
Up front, the competition for spots continues. Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué are once again battling for a place in the starting XI, while Kylian Mbappé will be eager to reach a major milestone—he’s just one goal away from scoring 50 for France. Meanwhile, Manchester City target Rayan Cherki could be rewarded with his first senior start after a standout performance off the bench against Spain.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Germany possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Tah, Koch, Anton; Kimmich, Gross, Goretzka, Gosens; Gnabry, Wirtz; Undav
France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Pavard, Konate, L. Hernandez, Digne; Tchouameni, Kone; Dembele, Cherki, Barcola; Mbappe
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Germany 2-1 France
