In Switzerland this summer, Europe’s top teams aren’t just chasing a trophy – they’re chasing a legacy.
By the time the first whistle blows on July 2, over 700,000 fans will have snapped up tickets and an expected half a billion will be tuning in worldwide. The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 isn’t just another tournament – it’s a marker of how explosively women’s football has grown. Bigger stars, bigger stakes, and bigger storylines.
From the England Lionesses defending their crown, to hosts Switzerland dreaming big, to Spain eyeing a historic world-Euro double — the plot lines are thick. Let’s break down the groups, call our shots, and spotlight the players set to shine this summer.
( ) indicate current UEFA team ranking
Group A: Switzerland (16) | Norway (11) | Iceland (19) | Finland (28)
On paper, this is the softest group.
Norway’s Guro Reiten (Chelsea) and Ada Hegerberg (Lyon) set to be the difference, their combined quality will see them through.
Home advantage will give Switzerland an extra lift – and with Arsenals Lia Wälti anchoring midfield, they won’t roll over easily. Iceland and Finland will bring grit and determination but little else.
Prediction: Switzerland and Norway to both advance, but expect close, low scoring games.
Group B: Spain (1) | Portugal (21) | Belgium (17) | Italy (14)
Spain are the team everyone wants to avoid. World champions, No.1 ranked, and led by double Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who’s basically a cheat code in midfield.
Italy are rebuilding smartly with Juventus’ Cristiana Girelli leading the line (19 goals in 23 matches this season), while Portugal come in off the back of a 7-1 and 4-2 thumping from Spain, although their only losses in the last 14 games. Belgium are solid, but feel a step behind here.
Prediction: Spain to walk it, Italy to edge past Portugal into 2nd. Sorry Belgium.
Group C: Germany (2) | Sweden (5) | Denmark (12) | Poland (27)
No chill here: three top-12 teams and a dangerous underdog.
Germany, wounded from a World Cup meltdown, have Alexandra Popp and Lena Oberdorf hellbent on revenge. Sweden’s aging core raises questions, but Stina Blackstenius is still lethal.
Denmark’s Pernille Harder remains an elite creator and finisher (20 goals in 29 for Bayern this season) but inconsistent results of late make us think they will struggle. Poland’s Ewa Pajor – fresh off 18 league goals for Wolfsburg – is the dark horse who could wreck all our predictions.
Prediction: Germany top, Denmark to trump Sweden into 2nd place.
Group D: England (3) | France (4) | Netherlands (7) | Wales (30)
Call it what it is: the Group of Death.
The Lionesses – defending champions – open against France and the Netherlands. “Everyone goes to a tournament to win it, and so do we,” said boss Sarina Wiegman this month – no sh*t sherlock.
France, now under Hervé Renard, have weapons where is counts in Kadidiatou Diani and Wendie Renard, but a history of blowing it when it counts. Lets hope history repeats itself.
The Netherlands might just have their X-factor back: Vivianne Miedema, recovering from injury, is one of Europe’s deadliest finishers.
Wales are living the dream. Their first major tournament. A puncher’s chance, but facing a brutal mountain to climb.
Prediction: Lionesses on top, France to survive, just.
The groups: Players to watch
Aitana Bonmatí (Spain)
La Máquina. A complete midfielder who bossed the World Cup and Champions League last year. Spain’s metronome and match-winner.
Lauren Hemp (England)
City’s dynamite winger. Her speed, swagger and fearless dribbling lit up England’s World Cup charge and she’s just getting started.
Kadidiatou Diani (France)
Four goals at the World Cup, and still getting sharper. Olympique Lyon’s powerhouse striker is France’s best hope of finally breaking through.
Alexandra Popp (Germany)
Captain. Target woman. Big-game player. Six goals at Euro 2022. If Germany are serious, Popp will be the difference.
Ada Hegerberg (Norway)
The original Ballon d’Or queen. After years of injuries, she’s healthy – and hungry to drag Norway deep. Maybe.
Ewa Pajor (Poland)
If Poland shock anyone, it’s because Pajor went nuclear. Wolfsburg’s No.9 is a pure goal machine and ready for a global breakout.
All legends in the making
