France Women's Football Team Eliminated by Germany in UEFA Nations League Semi-Final
France's women's football team was ousted by Germany in a 2-2 semi-final draw of the UEFA Nations League, ending their campaign with a 3-2 aggregate loss and continuing their quest for a first major title.
- • France eliminated after 2-2 draw with Germany, losing 3-2 on aggregate.
- • Melvine Malard and Clara Mateo scored for France; Nicole Anyomi and Klara Bühl for Germany.
- • France dominated possession and created many chances but lacked finishing efficiency.
- • Coach Laurent Bonadei praised team effort but acknowledged the need for improvement.
Key details
The French women's football team was eliminated from the UEFA Nations League after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Germany in the semi-final return leg on October 28, 2025, at the Michel d'Ornano stadium in Caen. This result sealed a 3-2 aggregate defeat for France, following their 1-0 loss in the first leg in Düsseldorf.
France started the match with high hopes as Melvine Malard scored an early goal in the third minute, heading in a cross from Selma Bacha. However, Germany responded quickly with Nicole Anyomi equalizing in the 12th minute with a powerful shot. The match remained intense, but Germany regained the lead shortly after halftime with Klara Bühl scoring in the 51st minute after a rebound off the crossbar. France pressured hard and managed to level the score again in the 88th minute through Clara Mateo, but it was insufficient to overcome the aggregate deficit.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances with 13 shots, 7 on target, France's inefficiency in front of goal was a critical factor in their elimination. Germany, in contrast, capitalized on only two shots on target to score twice, demonstrating clinical finishing.
French coach Laurent Bonadei acknowledged his team's effort and spirit, stating, "We are leaving with our heads held high," while conceding the need to improve efficiency. Captain Griedge Mbock expressed her frustration at the recurring theme of missed opportunities that have plagued the team in major tournaments, as France continues its pursuit of its first major title.
The match was played before a sold-out crowd of 20,000 fans, highlighting the growing support and expectations for the French women's team. This elimination marks another setback, echoing their losses to Germany in previous European competitions including Euro 2022 and Euro 2025.
Germany will advance to the Nations League final to face Spain, while France must regroup and address their challenges in converting chances to finally secure a major international trophy.