The battle for a place in the UEFA Women’s Nations League 2025 final kicks off this Friday. For the first time, the semi-finals will be played in a two-legged format, promising thrilling clashes between four European powerhouses: Spain, Sweden, Germany, and France.
Semi-finals at the Highest Level
The first-leg matches will take place on 24 October — Germany face France in Düsseldorf (17:45), while Spain take on Sweden in Málaga (20:00). The second legs are scheduled for 28 October in Gothenburg and Caen.
The winners of each tie will meet in the final on 28 November, while the losing teams will play for third place on 2 December.
All four nations secured their semi-final spots by finishing top of their groups in the league phase of the competition.
Germany vs France
• First leg: 24 October 2025 – Düsseldorf (Merkur Spiel-Arena)
• Second leg: 28 October 2025 – Caen (Stade Michel d’Ornano)
Spain vs Sweden
• First leg: 24 October 2025 – Málaga (La Rosaleda)
• Second leg: 28 October 2025 – Gothenburg (Gamla Ullevi)
Germany vs France – A Rivalry with History
Clashes between these two giants have long captivated football fans. In recent months alone, they have met several times in major tournaments.
In July, despite numerous injuries, Germany defeated France in the EURO 2025 quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout. Previously, Germany had also eliminated Les Bleues in the semi-finals of EURO 2022. France, however, struck back in the inaugural UEFA Nations League, winning 2–1 in February 2024 to reach the final — where they were beaten by Spain.
Head coach Christian Wück’s side has already sold over 33,000 tickets for the match in Düsseldorf. Captain Giulia Gwinn returns to the squad, but the team will again be without several key players — including Lena Oberdorf, Ann-Katrin Berger, and Sophia Kleinherne. Promising youngsters Laura Dick, Camilla Küver, and Shekiera Martinez are set to make their senior debuts.
France, under new head coach Laurent Bonadei, are focusing on rejuvenating the squad. With Sandie Toletti and Amel Majri retiring from international football, new talents such as Wassa Sangaré and Kysha Sylla have been called up.
“I’m not selecting young players for the sake of it. If they’re here, it’s because they deserve their place,” said Bonadei.
Spain vs Sweden – A New Chapter After the World Cup
The second semi-final is a rematch of the 2023 World Cup semi-final, when Spain beat Sweden 2–1 on their way to the world title. Now, both teams meet again — entering a new era.
Spain, the reigning World Cup champions and defending Nations League winners, begin a new chapter under Sonia Bermúdez, who replaces Montse Tomé. For Bermúdez — formerly the U-19 coach — this will be her first match as senior head coach.
Her first squad includes returning stars Mapi León and Jenni Hermoso, Spain’s all-time top scorer. Patri Guijarro misses out through injury, while young talents Clara Serrajordi, Eunate Astralaga, and Lucía Corrales have been handed debut call-ups.
“I enjoy the pressure, and I love debuting in such an atmosphere. It’s going to be a special match — a great stadium, a big occasion, and a perfect chance to show our character,” said Bermúdez.
Sweden also have a new coach — Tony Gustavsson, former assistant with the U.S. national team, who takes over from Peter Gerhardsson after eight successful years.
Gustavsson’s squad combines experience and fresh energy, featuring veterans Linda Sembrant and Kosovare Asllani, alongside rising stars Anna Sandberg, Rosa Kafaji, and Evelyn Ijeh.
“It’s an exciting challenge — we have so many great players, but I’ve chosen those best suited to handle Spain’s fast, technical game,” explained Gustavsson.
The Road to the Final
The winners of the semi-finals will battle for the UEFA Women’s Nations League 2025 title on 28 November, while the runners-up face off for third place on 2 December.
Regardless of the results, one thing is already clear — European women’s football has never been stronger, and the competition among the continent’s top teams promises to deliver unforgettable drama and passion.
