Credit: @UEFANationsLeague / X

Germany vs Portugal Nations League Semifinal – Team News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

Germany head into their UEFA Nations League semi-final clash against Portugal with several setbacks in their squad.

Credit: @UEFANationsLeague / X

Germany enter their first-ever Nations League Finals brimming with confidence. Unbeaten in their last 17 matches inside 90 minutes, Die Mannschaft haven’t tasted defeat since late 2023. Despite a couple of recent draws, Julian Nagelsmann’s side have looked sharp and clinical, particularly in front of their home crowd.

Meanwhile, Portugal will aim to become the first team to win the Nations League twice, having lifted the inaugural title in 2019. Their road to the semi-finals included a hard-fought extra-time victory over Denmark in the quarter-finals. Their recent form has been patchy with just two wins in their last five games.

Allianz Arena will host this semifinal just days after it hosted the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan. The iconic stadium is ready for another blockbuster night of football in the first UEFA Nations League semi-final on Wednesday.

Historically, Germany have dominated this fixture, winning their last five head-to-head meetings with Portugal. With home advantage and momentum on their side, Germany are slight favourites to edge through to Sunday’s final.

Some iconic Germany-Portugal face offs through the years. 🇩🇪🇵🇹✨

📸 Imago pic.twitter.com/FL28h8sF3J
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) May 26, 2025

Germany Injury News

Germany head into their UEFA Nations League semi-final clash against Portugal with several setbacks in their squad. Julian Nagelsmann’s side has been hit by a wave of injuries. Yann Bisseck is the latest casualty after picking up a muscle issue during Saturday’s Champions League final. He joins a growing list of absentees that includes Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Nadiem Amiri, Jonathan Burkardt, and Angelo Stiller.

However, the big positive will be the return of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is back in contention after a nine-month injury absence. The Barcelona shot-stopper is expected to reclaim the No.1 jersey from Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel. Meanwhile, all eyes will also be on Joshua Kimmich, who is poised to earn his 100th cap for Die Mannschaft. The Bayern Munich star has been in sparkling form recently. He contributing directly to five goals across the two legs against Italy in the quarter-finals, scoring once and assisting four times.

Germany Predicted Line-Up

Ter Stegen; Kimmich, Tah, Anton, Mittelstadt; Gross, Goretzka; Gnabry, Wirtz, Sane; Undav

Portugal Injury News

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the line for Portugal here. This will be yet another historic milestone for CR7, his 220th international appearance. Despite ongoing speculation about his club future at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo remains the focal point of Roberto Martinez’s setup. However, he’ll face a personal challenge on Wednesday, having never registered a win against Germany in his illustrious career.

Meanwhile, Champions League-winning trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Nuno Mendes may be rested following their club exploits. All three started the game as PSG thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final. It is highly unlikely that they will start against Germany.

As a result, Ruben Neves and Joao Palhinha are tipped to anchor the midfield while Bruno Fernandes is expected to play just behind Ronaldo in a central attacking role.

⏱️ 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮̃𝗼: Meias-finais da Liga das Nações 🇵🇹#FazHistória | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/bUlHoe3Deg
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 2, 2025

Portugal Predicted Line-Up

Diogo Costa; Dalot, Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, Nuno Tavares; Bernardo, Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Fernandes; Diogo Jota, Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo

Germany

Joshua Kimmich

Portugal

UEFA 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.