More than just Lamine vs Mbappé: 3️⃣ key questions before Spain v France | OneFootball

Spain faces France in the second semifinal of the 2025 UEFA Nations League at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.

It’s a great match, with so much talent on the pitch, that reducing it to a Lamine Yamal vs Mbappé showdown feels like an understatement.

Here are some of the questions the match raises:

Which center-back pairing will Spain choose?

📸 Stu Forster - 2025 Getty Images

Dean Huijsen shone against the Netherlands and is one of the main options to partner at the back with Robin Le Normand. But could Pau Cubarsí take his place to keep exploiting the connection with Lamine Yamal?

How will France respond to fatigue and injuries?

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors

Deschamps has seven players in his squad coming back from extra effort in the Champions League final, and injuries to three defenders force him to make changes at the back.

What Deschamps has confirmed is that Mbappé will play as center forward.

Will Isco have his moment? And Cherki?

Two incredibly talented players from different generations take the stage today. The Spaniard returns after many years away and in full maturity, while for the Frenchman it’s his first time in blue.

Both are impressive and we’d love to see them today, even if it’s coming off the bench.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 JOSEP LAGO - AFP or licensors