France Women's Team Clinches Bronze in 2025 Nations League After Thrilling Victory Over Sweden

The French women's national football team secured the bronze medal in the 2025 Nations League after an intense two-legged battle with Sweden, culminating in a dramatic 2-2 draw in Stockholm that gave France a 4-3 aggregate victory.

The return leg on December 2 saw France, coached by Laurent Bonadei, make six changes to their lineup from the first match in Reims, where they had secured a narrow 2-1 win. Notable adjustments included Elisa De Almeida returning to the right defense, new partnerships in central defense with Thiniba Samoura and Griedge Mbock, and attacking changes with Kessya Bussy and Clara Mateo replacing Melvine Malard and Delphine Cascarino. The French team needed at least a draw to secure third place and showed resilience amid strong pressure from the Swedish side.

The match itself was filled with tension, highlighted by a late equalizer from Sweden that forced extra time. However, France’s Kelly Gago emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in extra time that clinched bronze for the nation. The victory was also built on the strong defensive performances of goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin and the tactical flexibility instilled by Bonadei.

This achievement comes after France’s disappointment in the semifinals where they were eliminated by Germany in a penalty shootout, making the bronze medal a significant consolation. Key figures in the campaign included Sakina Karchaoui, named best player in the first leg for her penalty and assist, and Griedge Mbock, whose stoppage-time goal won the initial match.

The final match was broadcast live on France 4, marking a memorable moment for the French women's team as they demonstrated depth, adaptability, and determination to claim a podium finish in the Nations League.