Teams: Germany vs Portugal
Match: UEFA Nations League semifinal
Date: Wednesday
Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
How to watch: Tune in to Al Jazeera Sport from 6pm (16:00 GMT) for all the pre-match coverage.
The German team will host Portugal, the champions of the first Nations League edition in 2019, in the first semifinal of the UEFA Nations League.
In the other semifinal, defending champions Spain will face France on Thursday, with that match set to take place in Stuttgart.
Al Jazeera Sport delves into the details of the first match and assesses the significance of the tournament:
What is the UEFA Nations League?
This competition was created to enhance the importance of international matches held outside major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championships.
Rather than a series of meaningless friendlies, nations now compete in a well-organized format that culminates with one country being crowned as the Nations League champion.
Does success in the Nations League help with World Cup qualification?
In Europe, the top two teams from each World Cup qualifying group automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Additionally, the four best-performing teams from the Nations League that do not finish in the top two of their qualifying groups get another chance to qualify for the World Cup.
This serves as an encouraging backup plan for teams if their official qualifying efforts fall short.
How is the Nations League organized?
League A of the Nations League contains four groups, as do Leagues B and C.
In League A, the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds, beginning at the quarterfinal stage. Meanwhile, teams in Leagues B and C compete for the chance to move up to League A, motivating all teams to perform and have a shot at winning the trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming for a second #NationsLeague title 🇵🇹🏆 pic.twitter.com/VMzf5JFEMA
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 3, 2025
Who did Germany and Portugal defeat in the quarterfinals?
Germany topped Group 3 in League A and overcame Italy 5-4 across two legs in their quarterfinal.
Portugal, also group leaders, triumphed against Denmark with a 5-3 aggregate score in their quarterfinal.
Both teams went unbeaten throughout the six-match group stage, which wrapped up in November.
What’s new with Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo will be starting the semifinal for Portugal despite uncertainties regarding his club future, which may lead to participation in FIFA’s Club World Cup later this month.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player announced on social media that he has completed his time with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential loan for Ronaldo to join one of the teams competing in the tournament in the United States.
A standout performance from the 40-year-old in the semifinal (and possibly final) could elevate his profile going into the Club World Cup.
Who did Portugal defeat in the inaugural final?
In the inaugural final, Portugal secured a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.
This match was hosted in Porto’s Estadio do Dragao, where Goncalo Guedes scored the game’s sole goal in the 60th minute.
Managers’ comments ahead of the semifinal
Julian Nagelsmann, Germany coach: “Our aim is to win the Nations League title. Delivering results and winning is crucial for us as a team. Spain’s past success highlights the significance of this tournament. I see great motivation in our players, and I’m eager for the stadium atmosphere.”
Roberto Martinez, Portugal coach: “Opportunities to win trophies in international football are few, and achieving that is paramount. We’re thrilled to be in the final four. This team has shown immense resilience over the last two and a half years, and matches against Germany, followed possibly by Spain or France, are ideal challenges as we prepare for the World Cup.”
Head-to-head record
This match marks the 12th meeting between the teams. Germany has secured victory in seven of those encounters, while Portugal has only one win.
The last five matches have been won by Germany, all in either FIFA World Cups or UEFA European Championships.
Portugal’s last victory came during the Euro 2000 group stage, with Sergio Conceicao scoring all three goals in a 3-0 win, eliminating the then-holders.
Germany has since claimed significant victories over Portugal, including a 4-2 win in their most recent encounter in the Euro 2020 group stage.
Where will the Nations League final take place?
The Allianz Arena will host both the first semifinal and the final on Sunday.
Germany’s team updates
Injuries: Amiri, Bisseck, Havertz, Henrichs, Kleindienst, Musiala, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Stiller
Germany faces multiple injuries but welcomes the return of Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal.
One of the critical decisions will be who steps in for Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala in midfield, as the absences of defender Antonio Rudiger and forward Kai Havertz will be strongly felt.
Portugal’s team updates
Injuries: Cancelo
Portugal is nearly at full strength, with only defender Joao Cancelo missing.
Potential lineups for Germany and Portugal:
Potential Germany lineup: ter Stegen; Kimmich, Tah, Koch, Raum; Goretzka, Gross; Adeyemi, Wirtz, Sane; Fullkrug
Potential Portugal lineup: Costa; Dalot, Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Fernandes, Neves; Silva, Ronaldo, Leao
