European heavyweights Germany and France will play in this third place play-off clash

8 June 2025 - 9:06 am
European heavyweights Germany and France will play in this third place play-off clash

Germany preview: Semi-final disappointment

Despite taking a lead in the semi-final against Portugal courtesy of Florian Wirtz, Germany were unable to hold on against the 2016 European champions as ultimately suffered a 2-1 loss in Munich.

France preview: Memorable defeat

France were involved in one of the all-time classic international fixtures against Spain in the semi-final stage but, despite threatening a sensational comeback from 5-1 down, ended up losing 5-4 to the reigning European champions in a goal-laden contest.

Germany team news

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Kimmich, Tah, Koch, Anton; Goretzka, Gross; Sané, Wirtz, Mittelstädt; Undav

France team news

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Gusto, Konaté, L Hernández, T Hernández; Guendouzi, Rabiot; Olise, Cherki, Doue; Mbappé

Key stats

  • This is the first competitive match between these teams since a 1-0 win for France in Munich in the group stage at EURO 2020. Their most recent encounter was a 2-0 victory for Germany in a friendly match in Lyon in March 2024.
  • The only previous UEFA Nations League meetings between Germany and France were in the league phase in 2018/19 when a 0-0 draw in Munich was followed by a 2-1 home win for France.
  • Germany have not lost successive UEFA Nations League matches since back-to-back defeats against the Netherlands and France in October 2018.
  • Germany have only failed to score in two of their last 23 UEFA Nations League matches.
  • Germany have played 24 successive UEFA Nations League matches without a 0-0 draw, since their first match in the competition at home against France (87 goals in 24 matches – an average of 3.6 per game).
  • France have lost their last two UEFA Nations League matches outside of France.
  • Only one of France’s last 20 UEFA Nations League matches finished without a goal being scored.
  • Kylian Mbappé needs one goal to become the third French player to score 50 international goals after Olivier Giroud (57) and Thierry Henry (51).

Germany vs France prediction

This is a tough one to call between two nations who were bruised by defeat in their respective semi-finals. Although third place is on the line, there is expected to be a fair amount of rotation with both managers likely using this encounter for a chance to have a look at some fringe players.

Neither side particularly convinced from a defensive standpoint in the semis, but given the prowess they posses in the attacking areas, both teams could easily score here. If pushed for a winner, hosts Germany look the pick as defeats on their home turf – the semi-final loss notwithstanding – are fairly uncommon.