Women’s Euro Championship 2025 Preview
As anticipation builds for Women’s Euro 2025, football fans across Europe and beyond are preparing for a tournament that promises to be the most competitive and high profile edition yet. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming tournament!
The Women’s European Championship, first held in 1984, has grown from a modest competition with four teams to a 16 nation spectacle that now rivals the men’s tournament in excitement and visibility. Over the years, it has been dominated by a handful of footballing giants, none more so than Germany, who have won an astonishing eight titles. Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and most recently England have also etched their names on the trophy, each marking defining moments in the tournament’s evolution. England’s 2022 win at Wembley, under head coach Sarina Wiegman, was particularly symbolic as it was not just their first major women’s title, but a turning point in mainstream support for the women’s game in the UK.
Now, all eyes turn to Switzerland, the host country for Euro 2025. Spread across eight cities, these being Basel, Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Lucerne, Sion, St. Gallen, and Thun, the tournament will offer more than just football. The Swiss Football Association has launched an ambitious legacy program, aiming to double female participation in club football from 40,000 to 80,000 by 2027, and draw 150,000 annual fans to women’s league matches. With a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and grassroots growth, Switzerland is keen to ensure this tournament has a lasting impact beyond the pitch.
This year’s competition also sets a new benchmark financially. A record €41 million in total prize money has been announced, which is up from €16 million in 2022. Each participating nation will receive a base amount of €1.8 million, with the champions capable of earning up to €5.1 million. Notably, for the first time in tournament history, the governing body requires national federations to share between 30% and 40% of the prize pot directly with players. An additional €6 million has been earmarked for clubs that release players for the tournament. This move signals a long awaited recognition of the value of professional female footballers and is expected to set a precedent for future international competitions.
The Top Teams
On the field, the tournament is bursting with elite talent. Spain, fresh off their 2023 World Cup triumph, enters Euro 2025 as a strong favourite. Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning Women’s Ballon d’Or winner and Champions League Player of the Season, leads a squad filled with world class players. She is joined by Arsenal standout Mariona Caldentey, another versatile and in-form attacker who has proven vital for both club and country.
England, the reigning European champions, remain a major threat despite a series of high profile retirements, including goalkeeper Mary Earps, midfielder Fran Kirby, and attacker Lauren James. Fortunately for the Lionesses, their depth is unmatched, with stars like Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, and Lauren Hemp carrying forward the momentum from their 2022 success and 2023 World Cup final appearance. Under the stewardship of Sarina Wiegman, England have developed a balance of tactical maturity and attacking flair, though they face a daunting group stage.
Indeed, Group D has already been dubbed the “Group of Death,” featuring England, France, the Netherlands, and Wales. France, perennial contenders, have consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments without yet securing a title. The Netherlands, 2017 champions and semi-finalists in 2022, continue to boast a squad full of experience and creativity, led by veterans like Vivianne Miedema and Sherida Spitse. Wales, while underdogs in this group, will be looking to cause an upset in their tournament debut.
Germany, with their storied pedigree, are another powerhouse to watch. While they fell short in the 2022 final and had an underwhelming time at the 2023 World Cup, their depth and historical success make them a perennial favourite. Sweden, who finished third at the 2023 World Cup, are hungry to finally turn potential into a European title. Norway, twice European champions in the past, are in the midst of a generational transition but remain dangerous.
The Groups
The host nation, Switzerland, finds itself in Group A alongside Norway, Iceland, and Finland. Though not traditionally a powerhouse in women’s football, Switzerland has made steady progress in recent years and will look to capitalize on home advantage. Their opening match against Norway in Bern is expected to set the tone for the group and energize local support.
Group B also offers intrigue, with Spain drawn alongside Belgium, Portugal, and Italy. While Spain are expected to dominate, Italy’s recent performances in the Nations League suggest they could emerge as dark horses. Group C features Germany, Sweden, Poland, and Denmark, a tightly contested quartet where every point will matter. Group D, as already mentioned, is arguably the best group of the lot, with three of the favourites to win.
Potential Key Players
Aitana Bonmatí (Spain): reigning FIFA Golden Ball winner, Women’s Player of the Year (2022–23), and Champions League Player of the Season (2023–24, 2024–25).
Tessa Wullaert (Belgium): Veteran striker, recently became Belgium’s top international scorer with over 90 goals.
Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands): returning strong from injury.
Key England talents: Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo.
Lara Prasnikar (Slovenia) emerged with nine goals in qualification matches, but her efforts were not enough to drag Slovenia through to the final as they lost to Austria in a playoff. Poland’s all time top scorer Ewa Pajor recently reached 100 appearances for Poland.
Favourites
The Women’s Euro 2025 promises to be a tournament of transformation and ambition, backed by record prize money, deep squad talent, and host driven legacy goals. Whether Spain asserts global dominance, Germany rekindles its dynasty, England defends on foreign soil, or a dark horse emerges, the stage is set for compelling football from July 2 to 27. With so many evenly matched teams, Euro 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and entertaining editions of the tournament to date. The quality on display will be underpinned by compelling storylines, whether it’s the battle of generations in teams like Norway and Germany, the pressure of defending a title for England, or the chance for Spain to build a dynasty after their World Cup win.
Off the field, the tournament will also be a test case for how far the women’s game has come in terms of infrastructure, support, and commercial viability. As kick off draws closer, the excitement is palpable. Will Spain complete a World Cup and Euro double? Can England defend their crown under the weight of expectation and a tough draw? Could Germany reclaim their throne? Or will a new name join the list of champions? With world class talent, record breaking investment, and a passionate host country ready to shine, Euro 2025 is poised to be a defining chapter in the history of women’s football.
Last Updated: 18.06.2025
