Belgium's women's national football team, known as the Red Flames, are gearing up for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, with the tournament set to be held in Switzerland in July 2025. Here's a comprehensive look at the team, their journey, key players, and prospects.
Background and Qualification
Belgium has secured its place in the Euro 2025, marking their third consecutive appearance in the tournament. To qualify, they navigated through play-offs, overcoming Greece and Ukraine. Historically, Belgium has shown significant improvement in women's football, especially after qualifying for their first major tournament in 2017. In 2022, they demonstrated their growing prowess by reaching the quarter-finals of the Euros, their best performance to date, where they narrowly lost to Sweden.
The Coach
Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir, an experienced Icelandic coach, took the helm of the Red Flames in January 2025, following the departure of Ives Serneels, who had been in charge since 2011. Gunnarsdóttir's coaching career began at a young age, and she has a strong track record with club-level success, particularly with Valur in Iceland and Kristianstads DFF in Sweden. She is known for her emphasis on structure, discipline, and a balanced approach, aiming to bring a fresh identity to the team. Euro 2025 will be her first major tournament with Belgium.
Squad and Key Players
The Red Flames boast a mix of experienced players and rising stars. The squad includes:
Several players in the squad also play in the English Women's Super League (WSL), including Janice Cayman and Sari Kees (Leicester City), Amber Tysiak (West Ham), and Justine Vanhaevermaet (Everton).
Key players to watch include:
Playing Style and Tactics
Belgium typically lines up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on a direct and vertical style of play. Their build-up often involves quick, long passes to the wide channels, utilizing the pace of their wing-backs. Defensively, they organize into a compact 5-4-1, aiming to limit central spaces and force play out wide.
Group Stage Challenge
Belgium faces a tough challenge in Group B, alongside Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Recent results in 2025 have been mixed, including a notable 3-2 victory over England but also heavy defeats against Spain and France.
FIFA Ranking
As of March 6, 2025, Belgium is ranked 20th in the FIFA Women's World Rankings. Their highest ranking was 17th, achieved in 2019 and 2020.
Euros History
Belgium reached their first major final tournament by qualifying for UEFA Women's Euro 2017. In Euro 2022, they beat Italy to reach the quarter-finals, marking a significant milestone in their history.
Expectations
While the group is challenging, Belgium's blend of experienced players and emerging talents could make them a dark horse in the tournament. Their aim will be to progress beyond the group stage and potentially replicate or surpass their quarter-final achievement from 2022.
