Wellington Regional Stadium will host Japan vs Spain clash on Monday. Spain and Japan have both already secured their spot in the round of 16. They will be now looking for the top spot on Monday. La Roja cruised to a comfortable victory over Zambia in their recent outing at the Women's World Cup 2023, while Japan claimed a 2-0 win against Costa Rica on Matchday Two. After registering a 5-0 win in their opening game against Zambia, Japan added three more points against Costa Rica. The 2011 World Cup winners are currently sitting in second place on goal difference.
Spain are also in a very good run after defeating Costa Rica and Zambia in their opening two games. Costa Rica were defeated on Matchday One by a 3-0 scoreline, and they went on to register five more goals in Wednesday's clash against Zambia. Jorge Vilda's side only needs a point to secure the top spot, but they will be targeting all three points as they look to continue their winning run.
This will be the fifth meeting between Japan and Spain. Spain won thrice and drew the other. Japan are looking to register a World Cup win against a nation ranked inside the top 10 for the first time since July 2015. Spain are on an eight-game winning streak, keeping a clean sheet seven times, including the last six.None of Japan's last 13 World Cup group games have ended in a scoring draw. Jenifer Hermoso's last 25 competitive international goals for Spain have come in wins with clean sheets. Japan have qualified for the World Cup knockouts in the last four editions.
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Japan vs Spain | Team News
Japan:
Japan boss Futoshi Ikeda must also decide whether to go all-out or rest players ahead of the last 16. Ikeda already rotated heavily in the previous game against Costa Rica, with Jun Endo, Hinata Miyazawa, Rion Ishikawa, and Fuka Nagano all starting on the bench.
Shiori Miyake is most likely to reclaim her place in the back three alongside Saki Kumagai and Moeke Minami. Liverpool's Fuka Nagano dropped out of the starting lineup on Matchday Two. She could be recalled to the lineup for Monday's encounter. Naomoto is likely to start for a second straight game and is expected to be joined in the forward line by Mina Tanaka and Fujino.
Spain:
Forwards Athenea del Castillo and Salma Paralluelo both finished the win over Zambia with injury issues. Jorge Vilda will be without two key players against Japan. Alexia Putellas, who played 15 minutes in La Selección's opening game and 45 versus Zambia, Vilda prefers to use recovering players gradually, building them up for the next phase. Hermoso will continue to lead the line for La Roja. She will be joined in the front three by Salma Paralluelo and Mariona Caldentey.
Possible Lineups
Japan Women's possible starting lineup: Yamashita; Miyake, Kumagai, Minami; Shimizu, Hayashi, Sugita, Nagano; Naomoto, Tanaka, Fujino
From World Cup to continental championships, discover the titans of global football and their achievements. We bring you the football teams with most international trophies with Argentina leading the pack. Check out who joins them.
In the sphere of international football, legacy is not built on sentiment but on unmatched achivement. What truly counts for a national team are the trophies won at the global stage, leaving everyone behind in the race!
This list will provide you an overview of the football teams with most international trophies. Read the full article to know about their dominance in the world of football.
1. Argentina (23 international trophies)
Argentina lifting the FIFA World Cup 2022. Image | Mint
Argentina stands as the titan in international football, having 23 trophies in their cabinet, with a rich legacy shaped by raw talent and passionate play.
Their identity is deeply rooted in the genius of legendary players such as Diego Maradona, whose individual brilliance almost single-handedly sealed the 1986 World Cup, and Lionel Messi, who finally cemented his legacy in 2022 World Cup after years of carrying the team's hope.
Brazil lifting the Confederations Cup in 2013. Image | FIFA
One of the greatest footballing nations, Brazil, holds 20 international trophies in their stunning cabinet. They are widely recognised as a nation that produce players who redefine the sport.
Legendary figures like Pele, Garrincha, and modern maestros like Ronaldinho and Romario, have all contributed to Brazil's success in achieving this milestone. Their contributions have not been just about winning, but about entertaining and inspiring.
Uruguay possesses a truly remarkable legacy in international football, regardless of its small population. They are just one trophy away to reach enter the twenties in their international trophies count, with 19 so far.
Legendary players like Obdulio Varela and Alcides Ghiggia, who had immense contribution in 1950 World Cup win, and more recently, Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, have all profoundly shaped Uruguay's rich footballing narrative.
Mexico winning the 2023 COMCACAF Gold Cup. Image | Instagram
Mexico holds a proud legacy as the dominant force in CONCACAF football, known for their passionate fan base, technical prowess, and ability to frequently challenge stronger nations.
Hugo Sanchez, Rafael Marquez, and Cuauhtemoc Blanco, are some names served in achieving the 14 international trophies.
USA lifting the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021. Image | NDTV
The USA has steadily built a legacy of growing competitiveness and professionalism, establishing itself as a successful team within the CONCACAF region.
Players like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Tim Howard, have elevated the team's standing and inspired a new generation of American footballers. They currently hold the 5th place with 10 international trophies.
International trophy cabinet of the USA:
Tournament
Count
Years
CONCACAF Championship/ Gold Cup
7
1991, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2021
CONCACAF Nations League
3
2021, 2023, 2024
6. France (8 international trophies)
France lifting the 2018 World Cup. Image | Instagram
France holds the sixth place with 8 international trophies achivement elegantly with the efforts of world-class players and athletic brilliance. From Michel Platini of the 1980s to Kylian Mbappe, an explosive forward who's carrying the winning legacy in recent years, this team have come a long way.
Their contributions have led to some historic victories that shaped French football.
Germany lifting the 2014 World Cup. Image | Sportsnet
Germany's legacy in international football is built on resilience, discipline and strong winning mentality. They have won 8international trophies which gracefully shine in their cabinet.
Legendary players like Franz Beckenbauer, the elegant "Der Kaiser" who revolutionized the sweeper role; Gerd Muller, the prolific striker; and Lothar Matthaus, a midfield powerhouse, have shaped the team's consistent success.
International trophy cabinet of Germany:
Tournament
Count
Years
World Cup
4
1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
European Championship
3
1972, 1980, 1996
Confederations Cup
1
2017
8. Egypt (7 international trophies)
Egypt lifts the AFCON in 2010. Image | CAF Online
Egypt holds an unparalleled legacy as the most successful nation in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, having great consistency and dominance on the continental stage.
The "Pharaohs" are known for their tactical discipline, and ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches, which brought them 7 international trophies.
The most memorable victory for Egypt was their achievement of winning three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010, a feat that cemented their status as the kings of African football.
International trophy cabinet of Egypt:
Tournament
Count
Years
Africa Cup of Nations
7
1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010
9. Spain (6 international trophies)
Spain lifts the 2010 World Cup. Image | Sportstar
Spain's legacy in international football is linked to their "tiki-taka" style, a philosophy of possession-based, intricate passing football that brought unparallaled success.
This approach led to an era of consistent dominance, including a historic treble from 2008 to 2012. Legendary figures like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Iker Casillas were instrumental in this golden age.
Recently, the new generation talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri, has emerged, further contributing to add up the numbers of their international trophies, which currently counts to 6.
Italy won 6 internationaltrophies in their football journey, with four World Cup wins among them. They have the capability to rise when it matters most for the nation.
Legendary players like Paolo Maldini, Gianluigi Buffon, and others have left an incredible mark on the history of team's success. The 2006 FIFA World Cup remains a memorable victory where the Azzurri peaked.
International trophy cabinet of Italy:
Tournament
Count
Years
World Cup
4
1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
European Championship
2
1968, 2020
11. New Zealand (6 international trophies)
New Zealand lifts their 6th OFC Nations Cup in 2024. Image | Pinterest
New Zealand won 6 international trophies and all of them were OFC Nations Cup wins, reflecting their dominance within the Oceania confederation. Their strong team spirit and discipline gets them the ability to qualify for the World Cup despite being a smaller footballing nation.
Their qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they remained undefeated in the group stage, drawing all 3 of their matches against strong opponents, stands as a particularly memorable achievement.
International trophy cabinet of New Zealand:
Tournament
Count
Years
OFC Nations Cup
6
1973, 1998, 2002, 2008, 2016, 2024
12. Cameroon (5 international trophies)
Cameroon lifts the AFCON in 2017. Image | Mint
Cameroon, known as the "Indomitable Lions," has forged a legacy as one of Africa's most successful footballing nations. They have achieved 5 international trophies so far, and are in own by their raw power, athleticism, and a fearless, adventurous approach to the game.
The 1990 FIFA World Cup remains their most memorable victory, where they shocked reigning champions Argentina in the opening match and became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals, with their commendable performances.
Australia lifts the AFC Asian Cup in 2015. Image | Socceroos
Australia, also known as "Socceroos," have evolved from a dominant force in Oceania to a competitive presence in Asia and a consistent participant on the global stage of football.
They have won 5international trophies so far, with players like Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka being the central to their footballing journey.
A standout memorable victory for Australia was winning the AFC Asian Cup on home soil in 2015, that increased their status as a leading footballing nation within the Asian confederation.
Till now, along with the hosts USA, Mexico and Canada, ten other teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. For the first time, 48 teams will participate in the World Cup.
Australia celebrate qualifying for their sixth straight FIFA World Cup 2026.
The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.
In 2022, the FIFA World Cupprovided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. LionelMessi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.
The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32,
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.
Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats
Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.
Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs,South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.
Teams That Have Qualified
With qualifications still ongoing, the only nations that have qualified are the host nations, namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then, teams will be struggling to qualify.
1. The USA
Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.
Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.
Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.
Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.
Teams from the Qualifier Rounds
4. Japan
Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.
Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.
New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.
Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.
For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.
6. Iran
(Image Credit | AFP)
Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.
Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the Group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.
Tino pai to our fantastic national football team🙌 Mean as! Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third team to qualify after Japan and @NZ_Football Ka mau te wehi 🇮🇷 This marks our fourth consecutive appearance after 2014,2018,and2022!#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/2RjE9j2gpa
— The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@iranembassy_nz) March 25, 2025
Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.
In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.
7. Argentina
(Image Credit | EPA)
The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26.
La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, with the required seven points at this point.
8. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the 8th team to qualify till now. They have qualified in virtue of finishing in the top two in Group A of the AFC's third-round of qualifiers.
This is the first time they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Not only that, they are the first Central Asia country to qualify for the grandest stage of football.
South Korea qualified for their 11th straight FIFA World Cup after finishing in the top two of the AFC third round qualifiers. Tottenham's Son Heung-min, Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in all will be ready to star for South Korea in the upcoming World Cup.
Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick against Oman to take Jordan to their maiden FIFA World Cup
While South Korea sealed their spot at the FIFA World Cup with that 2-0 victory over Iraq, their win also ensured that Jordan will be playing at their first-ever FIFA World Cup next year.
Ali Olwan's hat-trick has given them a big 3-0 win over Oman, and after South Korea's win, they will now create history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In Group B of the AFC Third round qualifiers, Jordan lost only one match and finished in the top two of the group, below South Korea.
Socceroos confirmed their place at a sixth successive FIFA World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia by 2-1 in Saudi Arabia. Connor Metcalfe (42), Mitch Duke (48) scored for the Aussies to help them win after falling behind by a 19-minute goal from Abdulrahman Al-Aboud.
Australia have now confirmed the top spot in Group C in the AFC Third round qualifiers. Japan are leading Group C, which have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil continued their run at the FIFA World Cup after ensuring qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are the only team to qualify for every FIFA World Cup.
The Selecao defeated Paraguay by 1-0 as Vinicius Jr. handed a special gift to new Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti for his 66th birthday.
VINIIII JR.!!!!
TINHAA QUE SER ELE!! BELO PRESENTÃO DE ANIVERSÁRIO PARA O MISTER 🇧🇷🇧🇷
Fabian Ruiz takes his chance with a left-footed effort from the outside of the box.
It was bit akward for Costa. But, he made a good save going down to his left.
Jun 8, 2025, 8:15 PM
54' | Mendes is a beast
Nuno Mendes has been clinical against Yamal so far. He has won all the battles against the wonderkid. Portugal dominating, but Spain are looking relaxed.
Neto was looking for Ronaldo with the lobbed cross, but Spain defenders had cut the angle for him. The cross went over the goal
Jun 8, 2025, 7:34 PM
33' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Ruiz for fouling Pedro Neto, to stop Portugal's counterattack.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:30 PM
29' | Chance for Nico
Yamal again picked out Nico inside the box with a lobbed ball. But with Costa coming in, Nico could not be on target with the defection.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:28 PM
VAR check
A VAR check was done to check if Ronaldo was offside, leading to the goal. Goal given.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:28 PM
26' | MMMMMEEEENNNNNNNNNDESSSSS | POR 1-1 ESP
Nuno Mendes equalises for Portugal.
A quick one and two, and Nuno Mendes, with the space given at the left of the box, struck powerfully to score his first-ever International goal.
Portugal 1-1 Spain.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:26 PM
25' | Excellent from Dias
Cucurella found Nico on the left. As Nico was making an entry inside the box, Dias won the physical battle and won the goal kick for Portugal as well.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:24 PM
21' | ZZUUUUUUUBBIIIIIMMMEEENDDDIIII | POR 0-1 ESP
Martin Zubimendi scores for Spain.
Yamal's lobbed ball for Nico was not cleared well by Portugal defenders and Costa. Zubimendi, at the right place at the right time, just tapped the ball inside the goal for Spain's first.
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Jun 8, 2025, 7:22 PM
Yamal shows his trick as well
Jun 8, 2025, 7:21 PM
The master showing how it is done!
Jun 8, 2025, 7:20 PM
19' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Inácio for an elbow on Oyarzabal.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:18 PM
17' | So close
Yamal's cross pass found Nico on the left. Nico made a quick cut back before going for the goal with a curling right-footed shot.
But the ball did not curl enough for him to give Spain the lead.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:18 PM
17' | So close
Yamal's cross pass found Nico on the left. Nico made a quick cut back before going for the goal with a curling right-footed shot.
But the ball did not curl enough for him to give Spain the lead.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:16 PM
15' | He should have scored
Nico with an accurate cut-back pass, Pedri, running at it, missed the goal with the effort.
Hue miss.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:14 PM
14' | Yamal misses the tager
Pedri left it for the 17-year-old to go for the goal with the free-kick. His kick went over the goal.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:13 PM
13' | Yamal is here
As I was saying, Yamal runs through Silva and Mendes, Silva stopped him, he won the ball again and won a free-kick from the edge of the box as Bruno fouled him.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:11 PM
10' | Patience game
Both teams are waiting for the mistake from other team.
Mendes tried to stitch an attack for Portugal, while Nico and Fermin looked to build up for Spain.
Starting XI: Unai Simón, Robin Le Normand, Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams, Dean Huijsen, Óscar Mingueza, Martín Zubimendi, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella.
Subs: David Raya, Álex Remiro, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Dani Vivian, Mikel Merino, Álvaro Morata, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Yéremy Pino, Álex Baena, Alejandro Grimaldo, Isco, Fermín López, Samuel Omorodion.
Jun 8, 2025, 5:55 PM
Lineups | Portugal
Lineups: Diogo Costa; João Neves, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Francisco Conceição, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.
Subs: José Sá, Rui Silva, Diogo Dalot, Renato Veiga, António Silva, Nélson Semedo, Rodrigo Mora, João Palhinha, Rafael Leão, Rúben Neves, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Trincão, Diogo Jota, João Félix, Pedro Gonçalves.
05/09/24: Portugal 2-1 Croatia 08/09/24: Portugal 2-1 Scotland 12/10/24: Poland 1-3 Portugal 15/10/24: Scotland 0-0 Portugal 15/11/24: Portugal 5-1 Poland 18/11/24: Croatia 1-1 Portugal 20/03/25: Denmark 1-0 Portugal 23/03/25: Portugal 5-2 Denmark (agg: 5-3, aet) 04/06/25: Germany 1-2 Portugal
Jun 8, 2025, 5:04 PM
Portugal vs Spain: Head-to-head stats
Team
Wins
Draws
Matches
Goals Scored
Spain
18
6
40
47
Portugal
16
6
40
81
Jun 8, 2025, 5:04 PM
Tonight's Venue | Munich Football arena
Jun 8, 2025, 5:02 PM
How to watch the match?
Indian fans can watch the Portugal vs Spain, UEFA Nations League 2025 final match on Sony Sports Network channels on television. Moreover, they can also enjoy the match LIVE on Sony LIV with a paid subscription. The match will also be streamed LIVE on Jio TV.
As Portugal and Spain are set to battle for their 2nd Nations League title in 2024-25 season, let's see how previous victories of this tournament unfolded. Here's the UEFA Nations League past winners list for you to explore.
The UEFA Nations League, officially commenced in September 2018, has quickly established itself as a significant title in European Football. It succeeded in igniting competitive fire in international friendlies with its innovative tournament structure.
As we are about to witness another thrilling final with Portugal and Spain aiming for their second title, it is now time to check out the UEFA Nations League past winners list.
1. Portugal | 2018-19 UEFA Nations League
Cristiano Ronaldo carrying the UEFA Nations League Trophy after their victory against Netherlands. Image | BBC
Host: Portugal
Winner: Portugal
Runners-up: Netherlands
Score: 1-0
Portugal won the inaugural season of UEFA Nations League (2018-19) on home soil, with spectacularly dominating throughout. Cristiano Ronaldo was the top-scorer and star performer for the team, who scored a hat-trickagainst England in semifinal clash, to secure their final berth.
They defeated Netherlands (1-0) in the Finals, which was decided by a single goal from Goncalo Guedes in the 60th minute of the game.
France lifting their first Nations League Title in 2020-21 season. Image | Instagram
Host: Italy
Winner: France
Runners-up: Spain
Score: 2-1
France emerged as the new champion in the second season of UEFA Nations League (2020-2021). After topping the group stage that included teams like Portugal, Croatia and Sweden, they took the winning streak to the next level.
In the Final, Spain took lead with a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal in the 64th minute. However, France responded swiftly with Karim Benzema's goal in the next 2 minutes (66') and finally, Kylian Mbappé secured the victory with another in the 80th minute of the game.
Spain celebrating their first Nations League title in 2022-23 season of the tournament. Image | Instagram
Host: Netherlands
Winners: Spain
Runners-up: Croatia
Score: 0-0 (5-4 penalties)
In the 2022-23 season of UEFA Nations League, Spain clinched their first title and became the second national team, following France, to win three major titles (World Cup, European Championship, Nations League).
They faced Croatia in the finals, and neither side could score in the 120 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout. Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon made crucial saves in the penalties, and Dani Carvajal calmly converted the decisive goal, securing a 5-4 victory.
4. Portugal | 2024-25 UEFA Nations League
Host: Germany
Winners: Portugal
Runners-Up: Spain
Score: 2-2 (5-4 penalties)
Portugal became the first team to lift the UEFA Nations League more than once, as they lifted the 2025 edition by beating Spain in the final. Spain scored early, but Portugal kept on fighting back. Nuno Mendes showed great class as a left-back and also scored a goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 138th international goal to take the game to extra time and finally to penalties.
Diogo Costa made the important save as Alvaro Morata missed the penalty to hand Portugal the trophy.
Portugal vs Spain, UEFA Nations League 2025 final match preview, head-to-head stats, predicted lineups, team news and more
Get the full match preview, head-to-head stats, team news and predicted lineups of Portugal vs Spain, UEFA Nations League 2025 final in our special coverage.
Portugal and Spain are all set to lock horns in the UEFA Nations League 2025 final tomorrow at the Munich Football Arena in Germany. Portugal, the 2019 winners and Spain, the defending champions, both will look to become the first team to win the Nations League twice.
Not only that, but Spain will have the chance to become the first team to defend the Nations League title successfully. Before both the proud nations collide for the silverware, here is everything you need to know ahead of the Portugal vs Spain, UEFA Nations League 2025 final.
Match Details
Match: Portugal vs Spain, UEFA Nations League 2025 final
Date: 9 June 2025
Time: 12.30 am IST
Venue: Munich Football Arena, Germany
How to watch the Nations League final?
Indian fans can watch the Portugal vs Spain, UEFA Nations League 2025 final match on Sony Sports Network channels on television. Moreover, they can also enjoy the match LIVE on Sony LIV with a paid subscription. The match will also be streamed LIVE on Jio TV.
Spain have dominated Portugal in all competitions they have played so far. In 40 matches between these two countries, Spain won 18 times. Meantime, Portugal emerged victorious 16 times in those games.
6 times, their matches ended in a draw. So, you can see how close the competitions have been throughout the years.
Team
Wins
Draws
Matches
Goals Scored
Spain
18
6
40
47
Portugal
16
6
40
81
Team News: Portugal
Francisco Conceição celebrates his equaliser against Germany in the Nations League semi-final in Munich
Portugal will be confident of beating any team in the world after ousting Germany in the semi-final. This was their first win over the Germans since the EURO 2000. Not only that, but Cristiano Ronaldo also won against Germany for the first time in his senior career, after netting the winning goal.
Roberto Martínez has introduced a few new tactical things to turn things around for Portugal, after crashing out against France on penalties in the last eight. Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto or Francisco Conceição on the wings supplying central striker Cristiano Ronaldo, has been a great plan for him along with having a strong 4-man defence in the back.
Along with them, inform Vitinha, fresh from a Champions League triumph, and Bruno Fernandes, give Portugal solidity in the midfield.
Till now, there is no news of injuries, and Martinez will have a full squad to choose from for the final against Spain.
Lamine Yamal and Pedri hugging each other after a goal during Span's 5-4 win over France in the Nations League semi-final match
Spain have been one of the best sides in world football, comprising one of the brightest young talents in every position. Although they are suffering from a few long-term injuries to some senior players, Luis de la Fuente's team looks no worried since winning the EURO 2024.
In a record-breaking semi-final, where the most number of goals in a Nations League match was scored, Spain defeated France by 5-4 to qualify for the final. Though the scoreline looks tight, Spain once led by 4-1, and a few experiments along with complacency led them to win by a smaller margin.
Lamine Yamal, the Ballon d'Or 2025 contender, scored a brace for them while Pedri netted a magical goal. Mikel Oyarzabal, just like every time, performed silently while providing two assists. Nico Williams also looked like a beast on the right.
Scoring goals will never be an issue for a team like this. But, defending well against a well-shaped Portugal team would be a tough task for them.
No news of new injuries for them as well.
Sé que has visto los goles de la Selección española ante Francia desde todos los ángulos posibles.
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) June 6, 2025
Possible Lineups
Portugal
Diogo Costa; João Neves, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Francisco Conceição, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.
Spain
Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams