Lausanne, Switzerland — Spain, the reigning World Cup champion, has set its sights on claiming the European Championship title in 2025 after being drawn into a group that includes Italy, Belgium, and Portugal. This potential victory would allow the Spanish women’s team to complete their conquest of major titles, following their triumph in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in February. The team’s current head coach, Montse Tomé, took the helm during a tumultuous period within the organization after their significant victory in the 2023 World Cup held in Sydney. Notably, Tomé stands out as the sole female coach among the teams in Spain’s Euro 2025 group.
Host nation Switzerland is slated to kick off the 16-nation tournament against Norway on July 2 in Basel. The tournament will also feature teams like Iceland and Finland in the same group.
In a tough grouping, the previous two European champions—defending titleholder England and Euro 2017 victor the Netherlands—will compete alongside top seed France and Wales. The much-anticipated showdown between France and England will take place on July 5 in Zurich, following a competitive qualifying campaign where both teams exchanged victories.
“It’s a good challenge, given the exciting matches we had in May and June,” acknowledged France coach Laurent Bonadei.
Germany, holders of a record eight European titles, will face Denmark, Poland, and inaugural winner Sweden, who clinched the title in 1984. St. Jakob Park in Basel has also been designated to host the championship match on July 27.
Over 700,000 tickets are set to be available for the 31 matches taking place across eight Swiss cities. This event represents a crucial opportunity for Switzerland to maintain the progressive momentum gained in European women’s soccer, following three major tournaments that have captured global attention.
Noteworthy tournaments include France’s hosting of the 2019 Women’s World Cup, won by the United States; England’s triumph over Germany in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley, watched by over 87,000 spectators; and the thrilling encounter in which Spain and England competed for the 2023 World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand, the first tournament featuring 32 teams.
“It’s an ideal moment for this tournament to take place here,” expressed retired Swiss star Lara Dickenmann, a two-time Champions League champion with Lyon. Dickenmann emphasized the significance of the tournament for the Swiss community: “It will change the game for us. Its importance will resonate throughout Swiss society, including within media and political circles that engage in football.”
Switzerland’s opening match against Norway follows a previous encounter that saw Norway facing New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup’s initial game. Swiss coach Pia Sundhage aims to have her top squad ready as they prepare for Euro 2025. “Confidence can push any team to great heights,” noted Sundhage, who previously led the U.S. team to Olympic gold in both 2008 and 2012.
Similarly, England coach Sarina Wiegman, who has led her teams to consecutive Euro titles, anticipates an open and thrilling championship in Switzerland. “There are not just three or four nations in the running anymore; the competition is unpredictable,” Wiegman stated, highlighting the rising competitiveness in women’s soccer.