As Euro 2025 approaches, England's Lionesses are gearing up for a challenging tournament in Switzerland, with their opening match against France drawing near. The team is preparing not only for formidable opponents but also for the sweltering heatwave affecting much of Europe. Meanwhile, UEFA has made a key decision regarding the opening game and fan safety in the face of rising temperatures.
The Lionesses, who won the 2022 tournament, head into the European Championship as defending champions. However, they face a tough group stage, which includes France, the Netherlands, and debutants Wales. England arrived in Zurich on Monday, July 1, 2025, to finalize preparations for their first match against France on July 5.
Across Europe, and particularly in Switzerland, a significant heatwave is underway, with temperatures expected to soar. This has prompted UEFA to relax its usual security rules, allowing fans to bring water bottles into the stadiums for the first couple of days of the tournament. This decision aims to ensure fans can stay hydrated and safe during the matches. Specifically, fans can bring half-litre plastic or aluminum water bottles into the stadium on July 2 and 3. Glass bottles remain prohibited.
The decision impacts the opening games scheduled for Wednesday, July 2nd, when Iceland plays Finland in Geneva and Switzerland faces Norway in Basel. The other games affected by the relaxed rules are Belgium vs Italy (July 3, Sion) and Spain vs Portugal (July 3, Bern). UEFA has also advised fans to stay in the shade whenever possible to avoid heatstroke,. Additionally, referees have the discretion to allow cooling breaks during matches if the temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius.
Wimbledon, also taking place, experienced its hottest opening day ever recorded, with temperatures hitting 32.3 degrees Celsius. The All England Club implemented several measures to combat the heat, including providing extra ice on the courts and setting up over 100 water points throughout the grounds. Protocols were also in place for the ball kids, who were provided with cooling scarves and rotated more frequently.
Euro 2025 is the 14th edition of the UEFA Women's Championship and is being hosted by Switzerland from July 2 to July 27, 2025. The tournament will be played across eight venues: Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Sion, Thun, and Zurich. The final match will be held in Basel. The opening match on July 2 will see Switzerland host Norway at St. Jakob-Park in Basel.
The tournament will feature 16 teams. Besides England, other favorites to win include Spain and Germany. The group stage will be followed by the knockout stage, with the final taking place on July 27.
