The summer of 2025 is absolutely jam-packed with football. The European Under-21 Championship is currently underway in Croatia and Slovakia, with the continent’s best young stars aiming to pick up the biggest prize the youth game has to offer. As well as that, the revamped FIFA Club World Cup is underway, with 32 of the planet’s finest all embarking upon the United States in the hopes of leaving MetLife Stadium on July 13th with the title.
However, perhaps the biggest of these tournaments, is the upcoming UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. The tournament is set to kick off on July 2nd as Iceland face Finland in Thun before hosts Switzerland take center stage against Norway. Between then and July 27th, the 16 best women’s teams on the continent will battle it out in a bid to leave Vasel with the title.
And here is all you need to know about the upcoming spectacle.
Hosts
Switzerland has the honor of hosting this year’s championship for the very first time. With matches spread across eight cities—including Basel, Zurich, and Geneva—some truly iconic venues will take center stage. St. Jakob-Park in Basel was the site of Sevilla’s Europa League final triumph against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in 2016 and will host the 2025 Women’s Euro final as well.
The Swiss organizers are pulling out all the stops, aiming to break attendance records and showcase women’s soccer on its biggest stage yet. Between the breathtaking Alps and the country’s top-notch hospitality, Switzerland is sure to deliver a tournament atmosphere like no other.
Reigning Champions
England head to Switzerland as the reigning champions after their thrilling victory on home turf back in 2022. Manager Sarina Wiegman masterminded the Lionesses to pick up victories against the likes of Spain and Sweden to punch their tickets to their first-ever final. There, they met rivals Germany under the famous Wembley Arch, and they ultimately emerged victorious after Chloe Kelly’s winner deep into extra time.
A year on from that triumph and England reached their first ever Women’s World Cup final in Australia. But despite being much fancied, they ultimately fell short to a Spain team that was also appearing in its maiden final. Fast forward to now, and while online soccer betting sites still make the Lionesses a contender, their squad isn’t quite the same. Online soccer betting websites make the reigning champions a 9/2 second favorite to retain their crown, but perhaps their supporters should be somewhat cautious.
International retirements and injuries have altered the lineup that thrilled a nation three years ago, with key players like Fran Kirby and Mary Earps stepping down and others like Lauren James managing injuries. Don’t count them out just yet, but going all the way once again certainly seems like an uphill task.
Favorites:
Spain
Spain is without question the team to beat. They were the ones that beat England and became World Champions in Australia two years ago, and now they are aiming to complete a famous couple. Players like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí are game-changers, creating magic in midfield and underlining the bookies’ sentiment in making them 9/4 favorites to claim the title.
England
Though the squad has evolved since 2022, England remains a force. They’ve got a great mix of emerging stars like Alessia Russo and seasoned pros like Keira Walsh. However, being grouped in the infamous “Group of Death” alongside France, the Netherlands, and Wales means their path to glory is anything but simple.
Germany
Eight-time Euro champions. Say no more. Germany knows how to succeed in this competition, period. They’ve looked strong in recent tournaments, and with a history of rising to the occasion, they’re fully capable of claiming title number nine.
France
Les Bleues reached the semifinals for the first time ever three years ago, and they are aiming to go one better in 2025. With revamped tactics under head coach Laurent Bonadei, which look to get the best out of standouts like Kadidiatou Diani and Grace Geyoro, they’re here to make headlines.
Groups
Here’s how the 16 teams are split up for the group stages:
Group A: Switzerland (hosts), Norway, Iceland, Finland
Group B: Spain, Belgium, Italy, Portugal
Group C: Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Poland
Group D: England, France, Netherlands, Wales
Best Players
– Aitana Bonmatí: Is arguably the best player on the planet at present. The Spanish sensation has won the Ballon d’Or in each of the last two years and is aiming to cement her legacy by leading Spain to a maiden title.
– Alexia Putellas: Bonmatí’s partner in crime. Also, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, and for good reason. Her creativity and control in midfield are unmatched.
– Leah Williamson: Commanding presence at the back, Williamson has a huge responsibility on her shoulders this summer as England’s most experienced leader.
– Ada Hegerberg: A goal machine for beaten Champions League finalists Lyon, Hegerberg will be looking to help Norway banish their memories of a disastrous campaign three years ago.
How to Watch
No matter where you are, following the action live is easy. Fans in the UK can count on BBC Sport for full coverage, while international broadcasters like Fox Sports (US) and Optus Sport (Australia) have you covered. Europe will have wall-to-wall coverage through channels like ARD, ZDF, and TF1.
Prefer streaming? UEFA’s official site and app will make sure you can watch on the go.