Two European heavyweights went head-to-head in Stuttgart tonight with Spain coming out on top against France in a nine-goal thriller to seal a place in the 2025 Nations League final against Portugal. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente made some bold calls with his team selection, but Mikel Oyarzabal justified his selection with two first-half assists.
The Real Sociedad star, who scored the winning goal against England in the Euro 2024 final, showed great hold-up play before laying the ball off for Nico Williams to rifle an effort into the back of the net. Three minutes later, he played in Mikel Merino for the Arsenal midfielder to produce a fine finish to double the lead.
Spain found themselves 4-0 up 10 minutes into the second half as Lamine Yamal’s penalty was swiftly followed up by Pedri’s dinked effort. Kylian Mbappe pulled one back from the spot but Yamal restored Spain’s four-goal advantage. That wasn’t to be the end of the scoring though as Rayan Cherki marked his debut with a stunning strike before Daniel Vivian put the ball into his own net and then Randal Kolo Muani got on the scoresheet but time was ultimately against the French. On to Sunday now as Spain will face Portugal in the final whilst France meet Germany in the third place play-off.
Spain vs France latest news
- GOAL! Kolo Muani strikes late
- GOAL! Vivian puts the ball into his own net
- GOAL! Cherki scores on France debut
- GOAL! Yamal scores his second
- GOAL! Mbappe pulls one back for France
- GOAL! Pedri adds a fourth
- GOAL! Yamal scores from the penalty spot
- GOAL! Merino doubles Spain's lead
- GOAL! Williams breaks the deadlock
Spain overcome France
22:11 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSpain will face Portugal in the Nations League final after overcoming France in a quite extraordinary nine-goal thriller.
A meeting between two European heavyweights and a rematch of last summer’s Euro 2024 semi-final showdown, it was La Roja, the holders of the competition and reigning European champions, who came out on top thanks to a show of ruthlessness.
Les Bleus - without three of their first-choice defenders in Jules Kounde, William Saliba and Dayot Upameacano - were always vulnerable at the back and had no answer to a rampant Spain attack.
Spain 5-4 France
21:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+5 min: Great goalkeeping from Simon as he collects a high ball and that should be that!
FINAL WHISTLE!
Spain hold on to reach the Nations League final following a nine-goal thriller.
GOAL! Spain 5-4 France | Randal Kolo Muani '90
21:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+4 min: GOALLL
What a difference Cherki has made since coming on, great pick out for Kolo Muani to head home.
Is the comeback on???
Spain 5-3 France
21:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: Gavi replaces Merino as Spain look to rundown the clock.
Five more minutes to go, can France grab another?
Spain 5-3 France
21:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne87 min: CHANCE!
Excellent running from Barcola as he burns past Porro and he has the composure to pick out Kolo Muani who blasts the ball over the bar.
GOAL! Spain 5-3 France | Daniel Vivian (own goal) '84
21:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne84 min: GOALLLLLL!
Daniel Vivian with the final touch into his own net and we could have a grandstand finish!
GOAL! Spain 5-2 France | Rayan Cherki '78
21:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne78 min: GOALLLL
It's a debut goal for Rayan Cherki!
And what a strike too.
Spain 5-1 France
21:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: Two more Spain changes.
ON: Samu and Vivian
OFF: Oyarzabal and Le Normand
Spain 5-1 France
21:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne76 min: Spain just toying with France at the moment, keeping possession for fun. A few ole’s from the crowd.
However, Mbappe pounces on Merino’s heavy touch and sees his effort saved by Simon.
Kolo Muani replaces Dembele.
Spain 5-1 France
21:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne72 min: POST!
It just isn’t Dembele’s night! The PSG forward gets on the end of Cherki’s pass but his effort strikes the post.
So unlucky.
Spain 5-1 France
21:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: Defensive change for France as Lucas Hernandez replaces Clement Lenglet.
GOAL! Spain 5-1 France | Lamine Yamal '66
21:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne66 min: GOALLLLL
Lamine Yamal gets his second of the night and surely that is game over, if it wasn’t already!
Spain 4-1 France
21:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne65 min: Barcola meets a corner with a sweet volley but he can’t keep the effort down.
Spain 4-1 France
21:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne64 min: Here come the changes for both sides.
Cherki, Barcola and Gusto replace Olise, Doue and Kalulu for France.
Spain introduce Fabian and Olmo for Pedri and Williams.
Spain 4-1 France
21:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne61 min: CLOSE
Doue tries to find the far post but the ball doesn’t curl enough and Simon watches the effort go wide.
Spain 4-1 France
21:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne59 min: GOALLL
Confident penalty from Mbappe as he sends Simon the wrong way.
Spain 4-0 France
21:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne57 min: PENALTY
Now Michael Oliver points to the spot for France as Mbappe goes down under a challenge from Porro.
GOAL! Spain 4-0 France | Pedri '55
21:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne54 min: GOALLLLLL
It is complete dominance from Spain as they cut France open straight from the restart, Williams picks out Pedri who lifts the ball over Maignan for a fourth goal.
GOAL! Spain 3-0 France | Lamine Yamal '53
21:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne53 min: GOALLLLL
Lamine Yamal makes no mistake from the spot as he rolls the ball into the corner as Mike Maignan dives the wrong way.
Spain 2-0 France
21:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne52 min: After a VAR review, the penalty decision stands.
Lamine Yamal steps up...
Spain 2-0 France
21:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne50 min: PENALTY!
Rabiot takes out Yamal in the area and Michael Oliver points to the spot!
Was Yamal offside, was it even a foul? Loads to be checked here!
Spain 2-0 France
21:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne47 min: Spain almost strike again straight away as Yamal feeds Oyarzabal who sees an effort blocked. However, the Spaniard was in an offside position.
At the other end, Kalulu fizzes a brilliant ball across the face of goal, but there are no takers.
Spain 2-0 France
21:04 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in the Nations League semi-final!
No changes made by either side.
Spain 2-0 France
20:54 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFrance are 2-0 down, but they’ve not played poorly at all.
It says a lot that Unai Simon made a series of saves in the first-half, denying Desire Doue, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
That said, it’s all about being clinical at this level.
HALF-TIME!
20:49 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSpain 2-0 France
Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino leave the European champions 45 minutes away from reaching the Nations League final.
Spain 2-0 France
20:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Two minutes of stoppage time has been signalled.
Spain 2-0 France
20:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne44 min: It is becoming Dembele vs Simon at this point.
The Spain goalkeeper makes another save to deny the Frenchman.
Spain 2-0 France
20:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: GOOAA...NOOOO
Dean Huijsen is denied a quite superb goal by the offside flag. Really inventive set-piece routine from Spain as they catch France off guard.
Spain 2-0 France
20:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne42 min: Dembele is in, tries to dink the ball over Simon who reads the attempt and keeps the effort out.
The flag was up anyway, would not have counted had the ball hit the back of the net.
Spain 2-0 France
20:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne39 min: Konate comes through the back of Merino and concedes a foul. The Liverpool defender is not happy with the decision and is letting Oliver know about it.
Almost a third for Spain as Merino is inches away from getting on the end of Yamal’s teasing cross.
Spain 2-0 France
20:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne36 min: Important block from Lenglet to stop Williams from making it 3-0. You get the feeling the next goal is so crucial and it’s almost France’s and Simon gets down to keep out Dembele’s effort.
Spain 2-0 France
20:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne34 min: First yellow card of the game goes to....Lamine Yamal.
The winger tried his best to make amends for losing possession but catches Doue late.
A clear break down in communication between Yamal and Porro there.
The free-kick comes to nothing as not a single France player can get a touch on Olise’s decent delivery.
Spain 2-0 France
20:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne31 min: SAVE!
Doue does well to dig out a shot, Simon sees the ball late but is still able to get a strong hand to it to keep it out and Huijsen completes the clearance.
More action for the Spain keeper as he is grateful that Mbappe’s effort is straight at him following a deflection.
Spain 2-0 France
20:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Those goals have left France shell-shocked. To be fair, Didier Deschamps had looked comfortable before conceding and now they have it all to do.
GOAL! Spain 2-0 France | Mikel Merino '25
20:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25 min: GOALLLLLLLLL
WHAT A GOAL! One-two between Merino and Oyarzabal and the Arsenal midfielder finishes with aplomb.
GOAL! Spain 1-0 France | Nico Williams '22
20:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne22 min: GOALLLLLL
Emphatic finish from Nico Williams as he lashes the ball into the roof of the net after brilliant hold up play from Mikel Oyarzabal.
Spain 0-0 France
20:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne20 min: France, just barely, beat the Spain press as Olise sets Rabiot free through the middle.
Rabiot has Mbappe to one side and Dembele on the other. However, he elects to shoot and fires an effort high and wide.
Spain 0-0 France
20:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne18 min: France lose possession in a dangerous area and Spain pounce, Williams gets past Konate but sees his effort saved by Maignan.
Yamal then tries to bend one into the bottom corner but his shot is deflected behind.
Spain 0-0 France
20:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne17 min: Doue wriggles his way into the box, but off balance his fires an effort straight at Simon.
Spain 0-0 France
20:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne12 min: CROSSBAR
Olise sees an effort blocked for a corner, France play it short and Dembele cuts the ball back to the edge of the box for Hernandez who lets it run across him before pinging an effort off the top of the bar.
Unlucky!
Spain 0-0 France
20:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne10 min: Lovely bit of skill by Doue to create space between himself and Porro but all that good work is undone by a poor pass out to Dembele who is not happy with his teammate.
Spain 0-0 France
20:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne7 min: BIG CHANCE
Dembele gets free down the right, plays the ball to Mbappe at the perfect time. The France captain, unselfishly looks to square it to Olise for a simple tap-in but Simon makes a vital interception.
At the other end, Williams runs at Konate, cuts in and shoots but fires an effort straight at Maignan.
Spain 0-0 France
20:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: Spanish appeals for a handball following Yamal’s corner. Nothing given as Oliver signals that the incident has been cleared and checked.
Spain 0-0 France
20:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne4 min: Theo Hernandez finds himself in space and he elects to shoot but his effort sails over the crossbar.
First sight of goal from either side so far.
Spain look to attack down the right with Yamal and after great work his shot is blocked for a corner.
Spain 0-0 France
20:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Why is Cucurella getting booed?
It all relates to the handball incident against Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final last summer.
Spain 0-0 France
20:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne1 min: First foul of the game inside 20 seconds as Kone collides with Merino and gets a talking to from referee Michael Oliver.
KICK-OFF!
20:01 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in this huge Nations League clash.
Remember the winners will face Portugal in Sunday’s final.
Here we go!
19:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe two teams have made their way out to the pitch and that means kick-off is not too far away!
Yamal takes in his surroundings
19:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSemi-final in Germany against France?
Lamine Yamal has been here before and he is very calm ahead of kick-off.
Yamal is chill 🥶#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/8a7YWLyV3B
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 5, 2025
Mbappe winner?
19:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneKylian Mbappe’s France shirt hangs in the dressing room ahead of kick-off.
The Real Madrid star is coming off a fine season, goalscoring wise, and has fond memories of playing Spain in the Nations League having scored the winning goal in the 2021 final.
Will he lead his side to victory tonight?
🇫🇷©️#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/D2GRvz958F
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 5, 2025
Not long now!
19:42 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneUnder 15 minutes until kick-off in Stuttgart. Here is the trophy both Spain and France will hope to contest on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo bags winner as Portugal reach Nations League final
19:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCristiano Ronaldo overcame a pre-match scuffle with an enthusiastic fan to again be Portugal's hero as he fired them to the Nations League final.
The 40-year-old was confronted by a pitch invader who wanted a selfie ahead of kick-off before scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 semi-final victory over Germany in Munich.
The hosts had gone in front early in the second half when Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz headed home but Roberto Martinez's men hit back with two goals in five minutes.
Team news reminder
19:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how the two nations will line-up tonight...
Spain XI: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams
Subs: Raya, Remiro, Cubarsi, Vivian, Morata, Ruiz, Gavi, Olmo, Mingueza, Pino, Baena, Grimaldo, Isco, Lopez, Samu
France XI: Maignan; Kalulu, Konate, Lenglet, Theo Hernandez; Doue, Rabiot, Kone; Olise, Dembele, Mbappe.
Subs: Samba, Chevalier, Pavard, Digne, Bade, Guendouzi, Tchouameni, Thuram, Kolo Muani, Gusto, Zaire-Emery, Barcola, L. Hernandez, Cherki
Benzema brilliance
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis brilliant strike from Karim Benzema got France back on level terms in the 2021 Nations League final against Spain.
Brilliant Benzema in the 2021 final 🏆🇫🇷#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/dZ80lTIYKZ
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 5, 2025
Last time out
19:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLamine Yamal truly announced himself on the international stage with a stunning goal against France in the most recent meeting between the two nations...
The last time Spain and France met, Lamine Yamal did 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 in the Euros semifinal ☄️
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 5, 2025
(via @UEFAEURO)pic.twitter.com/7goWOdUBjC
France team
19:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere must have been a universal cheer when the France team was announced.
Didier Deschamps is usually quite reserved with his line-ups.
However, tonight he has gone for it!
A front four of Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Kylian Mbappe!
Spain team
19:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt is a very interesting Spain team selected by Luis de la Fuente tonight.
Mikel Merino gets the nod in midfield over Fabian Ruiz, whilst Dani Olmo and Alvaro Morata are on the bench.
Mikel Oyarzabal, the Euro 2024 match winner against England, looks set to lead the line.
France team in full
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFrance XI: Maignan; Kalulu, Konate, Lenglet, Theo Hernandez; Doue, Rabiot, Kone; Olise, Dembele, Mbappe.
Subs: Samba, Chevalier, Pavard, Digne, Bade, Guendouzi, Tchouameni, Thuram, Kolo Muani, Gusto, Zaire-Emery, Barcola, L. Hernandez, Cherki
Spain team in full
19:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSpain XI: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams
Subs: Raya, Remiro, Cubarsi, Vivian, Morata, Ruiz, Gavi, Olmo, Mingueza, Pino, Baena, Grimaldo, Isco, Lopez, Samu
CONFIRMED SPAIN XI
18:47 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how Spain will line up tonight...
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 | STARTING LINEUP
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) June 5, 2025
👥 This how Luis de la Fuente’s team will shape up against France.#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/unePkMOfV6
Team news imminent
18:42 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are expecting confirmation of the two teams any minute now.
Stay tuned...
Ballon d'Or shootout
18:31 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis fixture, in some quarters, is being billed as the Ballon d’Or showdown between Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele.
Both have enjoyed fine seasons at club level, with the latter guiding PSG to their first-ever Champions League title.
Could today’s game have an impact on who claims football’s most prestigious individual award later in the year?
Predicted France XI
18:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe absences of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano leave Didier Deschamps with a selection headache in central defence.
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is certain to start and could be partnered by Lucas Hernandez.
In attack, it will surely be Kylian Mbappe +2 which, for the neutral, should be Michael Olise and Desire Doue.
Predicted France XI: Maignan; Gusto, Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Digne; Tchouameni, Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Mbappe, Doue
Predicted Spain XI
18:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWhilst David Raya is the undisputed Arsenal no.1, that is not the case at international level as he is behind Unai Simon in the pecking order.
With Dani Caraval injured, the only place of contention is who gets the nod at right-back.
Predicted Spain XI: Unai Simon; Mingueza, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Morata
Preparation
18:16 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Spain squad have been put through their paces this week in training...
France dressing room
18:11 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBehind the scenes in Stuttgart as the France dressing room is prepared ahead of kick-off...
⏳ Ça approche… pic.twitter.com/LM4QTAiQ3g
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) June 5, 2025
Today's setting
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe MHP Arena, home of Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart, is tonight's venue.
Spain vs France latest match odds
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSpain to qualify: 8/11
France to qualify: 11/10
Odds via Betfair and subject to change.
Spain vs France: Head to head history and results
17:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSpain wins: 17
Draws: 7
France wins: 13
Score prediction
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWhilst France are absolutely spoilt for choice in attack, Spain have the edge in defence and midfield. Not to mention Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are capable of making the difference up front.
Spain to win, 2-1.
France team news
17:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe French are without Arsenal's William Saliba due to injury, but it is still a strong squad named by Didier Deschamps.
Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaire-Emery and Lucas Hernandez - fresh off winning the Champions League final with PSG - are all involved with Kylian Mbappe set to captain the side.
Spain team news
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Spain squad is as strong as you could expect with Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Pedri all called up.
David Raya, Pedro Porro, Mikel Merino and Marc Cucurella are the Premier League representatives, whilst Arsenal fans will want to keep an eye on Martin Zubimendi.
How to watch
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. Coverage starts at 7:45pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: Amazon Prime subscribers can watch for free, while pay-per-view is also available for £2.49.
Live blog: You can follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog!
Welcome
17:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Spain vs France!
Can Spain take another step towards defending their Nations League crown? The reigning European champions face France in a clash between two heavyweights that is sure to provide goals and entertainment.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm BST from the MHPArena. Stick with us!
