The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 is fast approaching, set to be held in Switzerland from July 2nd to July 27th. Sixteen teams will compete for the coveted title, and here's a look at each of them, grouped by their respective pools:
Group A:
- Switzerland (hosts): Automatically qualified as hosts, Switzerland will be looking to make a mark on home soil. They topped their group at the 2023 World Cup ahead of Norway and co-hosts New Zealand, demonstrating their potential. Their best performance at the Women's Euro has been the group stage, which they reached in 2017 and 2022.
- Norway: A team packed with talent, including stars like Caroline Graham Hansen and Ada Hegerberg, Norway will be aiming to live up to expectations after a string of underwhelming tournament performances. They were the highest-scoring team in qualifying, with 28 goals. Norway has won two European Championships (1987, 1993).
- Iceland: Iceland have secured their place in their fifth consecutive final tournament, demonstrating consistency. Their best result was reaching the quarter-finals in 2013.
- Finland: Nicknamed the Boreal Owls, Finland reached the semi-finals on their debut in 2005.
Group B:
- Spain: The reigning World Cup champions and winners of the UEFA Women's Nations League, Spain enter the tournament as strong favorites. They have dominated women's football recently, also winning multiple youth World Cups and EUROs.
- Portugal: Portugal's form has dipped recently, but they can be a threat when key players like Jessica Silva are fit.
- Belgium: Belgium reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 Euros and have proven they can compete with top teams, as demonstrated by their 3-2 upset of England in the Nations League. Spearheaded by Tessa Wullaert, they aim for at least another quarter-final appearance.
- Italy: Italy finished above the Netherlands and Norway in their qualifying group, showcasing their pedigree.
Group C:
- Germany: The most successful team in Women's Euro history, with eight titles, Germany will be seeking to bounce back after a disappointing World Cup where they exited in the group stage.
- Poland: One of the two debutants in the tournament, Poland will face a tough challenge in a difficult group.
- Denmark: Led by veteran star Pernille Harder, Denmark will be looking to replicate their surprise 2017 performance when they reached the final. The surprise inclusion of 37-year-old Nadia Nadim has raised eyebrows.
- Sweden: Sweden has a strong pedigree and is a regular in the knockout stages.
Group D:
- England: The defending champions, England, will be aiming to retain their title. However, they face a challenging group.
- France: France will be looking to improve on their semi-final appearance in 2022.
- Netherlands: The Netherlands won the Euro in 2017.
- Wales: The other debutant in the tournament, Wales, has qualified for their first major tournament.
Several teams enter the tournament with significant storylines. England, the defending champions, aim to continue their dominance despite a rocky lead-up with key players missing. Spain seeks to add the Euro title to their recent World Cup victory, solidifying their place as a powerhouse in women's football. Germany, after a period of underperformance, is determined to reclaim their status as a top contender.
The Women's Euro 2025 promises exciting matches and fierce competition. With a blend of experienced champions and ambitious newcomers, the tournament is set to showcase the best of women's football in Europe.
