Ahead of Germany’s UEFA Nations League semi-final against Portugal, Julian Nagelsmann emphasised the importance of building confidence ahead of his side’s World Cup Qualifiers kicking off in September.

Germany is assured of its best UEFA Nations League finish after the team failed to reach the final stage in the first three tournaments in which this competition was played. France won this event in 2021, so this year's effort won't be its best finish, regardless of what happens on Sunday.

Germany's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen fails to save a shot by Portugal's Francisco Conceicao during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) AP