France coach Didier Deschamps remains confident his injury-hit squad has the quality to challenge defending Nations League champions Spain in Thursday’s semi-final in Stuttgart. The winner will advance to Sunday’s final to face either Germany or Portugal.
Despite missing three key defenders—William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and Jules Kounde—who collectively boast 100 international caps, Deschamps believes France’s depth will compensate. The 56-year-old, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and the 2022 final amid similar injury troubles, maintained a pragmatic outlook ahead of the clash.
“Facing Spain with their attacking prowess, it’s not ideal, but I wouldn’t say we’re weakened,” Deschamps told reporters on Wednesday. “I’m counting on the players available for Thursday.”
Up front, France will rely on Kylian Mbappe alongside Paris Saint-Germain stars Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele, both fresh from Champions League triumphs. Deschamps lavished praise on Dembele’s sparkling season, suggesting the forward “deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
“Over the course of a full season, Ousmane has been outstanding. He deserves it, and that’s all I wish for him,” he added.
Dembele is expected to feature prominently against Spain’s rising teenage talent Lamine Yamal, with both players poised to share the spotlight.
“The Nations League and the Club World Cup are stages that can offer answers,” Deschamps said.
PSG coach Luis Enrique and defender Ibrahima Konate have also backed Dembele for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. Konate, who is likely to lead France’s defence in the absence of the usual starters, hailed Dembele’s season as “simply incredible.”
“We are the French national team, with an exceptional pool of talent,” Konate said. He will be joined in defence by Benjamin Pavard, Lucas Hernandez, Clement Lenglet, or debutants Loic Bade and Pierre Kalulu.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, however, dismissed the notion that the reigning European champions are favourites.
“There are three world champions in this final four — everyone has a chance to win,” he said.
Returning to Germany a year after their Euro 2024 triumph, de la Fuente said his squad was “delighted” to be back.
“This stadium and this country bring back many good memories,” he added.
The winner will meet either Germany or Portugal — who face off in Munich on Wednesday — in Sunday’s final.
Since the Nations League’s inception, France won the 2021 edition, Portugal took the title in 2019, and Spain claimed victory in 2023. Germany has reached the semi-finals for the first time this year.
