Credits: X/@DFB_Team_EN

Germany vs France UEFA Nations League Third Place Match – Injury News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola have both withdrawn from the French squad and will play no part in Sunday’s clash.

Credits: X/@DFB_Team_EN

Germany and France are set to battle for the third-place in the UEFA Nations League as they face off in at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart on Sunday afternoon. Both European giants come into this clash after disappointing semifinal exits earlier this week. Germany fell 2-1 to Portugal in a tightly-contested affair, with Cristiano Ronaldo striking a late winner to deny the hosts a shot at the title.

Despite playing on home soil, Die Mannschaft looked disjointed in a performance that fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, France’s semifinal was a chaotic nine-goal thriller against defending champions Spain. After finding themselves 4-0 down in the opening half hour, Les Bleus mounted an incredible fightback, only to lose 5-4 in one of the most dramatic Nations League games ever played.

With silverware off the table, Sunday’s clash may lack the intensity of a final but it remains a valuable opportunity for players to impress and for both sides to end their campaigns on a high. Germany will look to leverage their home advantage while France will aim to bounce back.

Germany-France throughout the years 👊 🇩🇪🇫🇷

📸 Imago | Getty Images pic.twitter.com/tUH7LYKDzw
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 7, 2025

Germany Injury News

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that there will be a few changes to the starting XI for Sunday’s third-place playoff. While the core of the squad is expected to remain intact, several fringe players could be handed opportunities to impress.

Niclas Fullkrug is likely to come in for Nick Woltemade up front. In midfield, Pascal Gross could get the nod for a more defensive setup. Robin Gosens and Serge Gnabry are also in contention to start, as Nagelsmann looks to rotate and reinvigorate the side after their semi-final loss.

Germany Predicted Line-Up

Ter Stegen (GK); Tah, Koch, Anton; Kimmich, Gross, Goretzka, Gosens; Gnabry, Wirtz; Undav/ Fullkrug

France Injury News

Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola have both withdrawn from the French squad and will play no part in Sunday’s clash. Centre back Clement Lenglet will also be unavailable against Germany due to a hip issue.

Rayan Cherki impressed off the bench in the 5-4 defeat to Spain and is pushing for a place in the starting XI. Manager Didier Deschamps may also rotate his squad, with Lucas Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani among the players in contention to be brought into the lineup.

Ousmane Dembélé (quadriceps) and Bradley Barcola (knee) will miss Sunday’s Nations League third-place playoff against Germany.#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/ZHH5btmeKL
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) June 6, 2025

France Predicted Line-Up

Maignan (GK); Pavard, Konate, L. Hernandez, Digne; Tchouameni, Kone; Dembele, Cherki, Barcola; Mbappe

France

Germany

Nations League

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.