Portugal U-21 vs France U-21 Prediction and Betting Tips

Portugal and France square off in their Group C opener in the 2025 UEFA European U-21 Championship at the Sihot Stadium in Slovakia. Both teams have looked sharp going forward in the build up to this tournament and could serve up an open contest here.

Portugal arrive at the tournament looking to rediscover their rhythm after back-to-back defeats in 2025, losing 1-0 to Romania before falling 4-2 to England in international friendlies. Those results ended a strong unbeaten run from 2024, where they won six and drew one of seven matches.

Despite the recent dip, they were one of the most impressive sides during the Euro U-21 qualifying campaign, topping Group G with nine wins from 10 matches and scoring 33 goals. Known for their fluid attacking play and technical quality, Portugal will be aiming to start strong as they pursue a maiden U-21 European title, having fallen to a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the final of the 2021 edition.

France will be confident heading into this clash after a 2-1 friendly victory over Uzbekistan U-23, extending their unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions, with three wins in that stretch. They booked their place at the Euros as one of the best runners-up, finishing just a point behind Slovenia in Group H.

Their attacking quality was a key feature in qualifying, with 22 goals scored. That momentum has carried into their recent friendlies, having found the net 15 times in five warm-up matches heading into Wednesday's opener.

How the bookies view it: Slight edge for the French

France have the slight edge among the bookies and are priced at 5/4 by BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Portugal is valued at 8/5 while a draw is set at odds of 23/10.

Head to head: France on top

France have a 3-2 advantage from five previous matches against Portugal at this level. The French picked up a 2-1 victory in the last meeting between both teams back in 2014.

Players to watch: Reliable Tel

Mathys Tel has netted five goals for France’s U-21, including two in his last two appearances. He can combine with Quentin Merlin to produce over 1.5 goals for the French – available at evens on BoyleSports.

Paulo Bernardo has found the net four times for Portugal and could be worth keeping an eye on. Henrique Araujo has also caught the eye and both men can ensure the Portuguese produce over 1.5 goals, offered at odds of 23/20.

Probable lineups:

Portugal have no injury worries, with a fully fit squad available to feature in the tournament. Pedro Santos, Bernardo and Araujo are all in the running to start.

France will be without Castello Lukeba and Jean Bahoya, who are unavailable due to injuries. However, Tel, Merlin and Wilson Odobert are expected to be in the lineup.

Portugal U-21: Soares, Rodrigues, Lamba, Pinheiro, Gomes, Mateus, Bernardo, Santos, Araujo, Tomas, Quenda
France U-21: Restes, Sildillia, Matsima, Doukoure, Mawissa, Merlin, Lepenant, Odobert, Lepenant, Tel, Barry

Anything else catch the eye?

France’s last seven matches have produced over 2.5 goals (priced at 8/13 with BoyleSports). Their last five matches have also produced a goal in each half, which is also available at 8/13.

The French have opened the scoring in their last two matches and could be backed to grab the opening goal here (France to score first at 10/11).

Portugal U-21 vs France U-21 Betting Tips & Predictions