The 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro is set to begin in Switzerland, featuring 16 of Europe`s top national teams. England, the defending champions, are expected to be a prime target for opponents. Spain enters the competition as a strong co-favorite to contend for the championship. Established European powers like Germany, France, and Sweden face potential challenges from emerging teams, highlighting the unpredictable nature of tournament football.
Plenty of discussion surrounds which teams are considered favorites, potential dark horses, or outsiders. The true picture will become clearer once the group stage matches get underway. Factors like recent performance, squad strength in depth, and other variables will ultimately decide who claims the title of Europe`s best. Here`s a current assessment of how the 16 participating teams rank:
1. England
Under the guidance of head coach Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses are the reigning champions and rightfully start the tournament as the top-ranked side. Despite the international retirements of key players like Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, and the absence of Millie Bright, a significant core from the victorious 2022 squad remains, capable of another deep run. While there are questions in the goalkeeping department, this could be an opportunity for Hannah Hampton to step up.
2. Spain
The winners of the 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup are strong contenders to challenge England for the title. They boast arguably the world`s best midfield with Ballon d`Or recipients Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, combining technical mastery with dynamic attacking play. However, Bonmati`s recovery from meningitis and goalkeeper Cata Coll battling tonsillitis present uncertainties for their availability in the early stages. This tournament might see Claudia Pina feature as a starter rather than just an impact substitute.
3. Germany
Adding complexity to the favorite discussion is Germany. As the runners-up in 2022 and bronze medalists at the 2024 Olympics, their form is largely solid heading into the tournament. They will be without Lena Oberdorf due to injury, and Alex Popp has retired, but a revamped attack featuring Lea Schuller supported by dynamic wingers has proven effective and makes them a formidable opponent throughout the competition.
4. Sweden
Consistently a threat in major tournaments, Sweden remains a challenging opponent despite some injury concerns. The ankle injury sidelining Fridolina Rolfo for at least the first group match is a significant blow, as is the absence of promising star Rosa Kafaji and goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who is on leave due to pregnancy. The squad possesses considerable depth, and Stina Blackstenius arrives fresh off winning the Champions League and scoring the winning goal.
5. France
It`s impossible not to be impressed by the electrifying performances of Kadidiatou Diani and Marie Antoinette Katoto, complemented by the counter-attacking prowess of Sandy Baltimore and Salma Bacha. This attacking talent keeps France a threat throughout the competition. However, their historical struggles with tournament mentality persist, and the narrative hasn`t been entirely shaken off, particularly with veterans Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer omitted from the squad.
6. Netherlands
The champions of the 2017 Euro have seen a slight dip in standing compared to other top global teams since then. While their 2017 triumph is memorable, too much uncertainty surrounds their recent form and starting lineup to place them firmly among the top favorites, yet they are too strong to be considered true dark horses. Vivianne Miedema appears to have overcome fitness doubts in recent Euro warm-ups, while Lineth Beerensteyn`s status remains a question mark.
7. Norway
It seems counter-intuitive for an attack featuring Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Guro Reiten to be outside the top five, but here we are. While their offensive unit rivals any in Europe with strong set-piece ability and explosive transitions, this squad has a history of underperforming in major international tournaments despite their individual talent.
8. Italy
Every ranking needs a potential surprise pick, and Italy comfortably sits in the middle of the pack. They possess sufficient tactical flexibility, and with the experience of veteran Cristiana Girelli, the team can adapt its shape to introduce disruption in matches. They will miss Giulia Dragoni`s creativity, but Cecilia Salvai could provide an alternative option in midfield.
9. Denmark
The Danish team largely rallies around Pernille Harder`s elite attacking capabilities. They excel at quick transitions and delivering crosses, with their defense bolstered by NWSL player Isabella Obaze. However, excessive reliance on a single player can be risky, and Denmark`s propensity for turnovers during slower build-up play could cause issues.
10. Iceland
This team is often well-organized and defensively solid. Led by centerback Glódís Viggósdóttir, who has been managing a persistent injury since May, the team has struggled to convert tight matches into decisive wins. Forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir is a standout performer in attack and known for her long throws, but if they progress to the knockout rounds, they could face significant challenges.
11. Belgium
Belgium brings serious long-shot potential to the tournament. Placed in a challenging group alongside Italy, Spain, and Portugal, they will need to embrace the pressure of a major competition. Their counter-attacks will heavily depend on captain Tessa Wullaert, while young midfielder Marie Detruyer is crucial in dictating play.
12. Switzerland
There`s a natural hope that the host nation will perform well, especially with a promising young talent like 18-year-old forward Sydney Schertenleib to cheer for. A breakout performance from her could galvanize both the team and the country. However, losing multiple players to ligament tears just before the tournament suggests they might face a difficult start.
13. Portugal
The squad suffered four consecutive Nations League losses and faced concern over the potential unavailability of Kika Nazareth. Tournament football offers a fresh start, and Portugal has demonstrated their ability to be a tricky side in high-pressure games. Nazareth`s return from injury with her flair on the pitch could provide the spark needed to change their fortunes.
14. Poland
Poland is making their debut in the tournament, fueled by forward Ewa Pajor. She is undoubtedly one of the world`s top strikers, having scored 25 goals for Barcelona. Her rising profile, along with emerging talent Paulina Tomasiak, might alleviate concerns about over-reliance on one player. However, their very limited tournament experience presents a significant hurdle.
15. Wales
The debutants enter the Euros with nothing to lose and everything to gain, driven by an unwavering belief. Captain Angharad James credits this mental shift to head coach Rhian Wilkinson, a sentiment echoed by squad veteran Jess Fishlock. If Sophie Ingle is fully recovered from injury and ready to be tested on the pitch, the Welsh Dragons have the potential to cause some upsets.
16. Finland
The team is known for its defensive discipline and utilizing set pieces or counter-attacks to impact games. However, there are questions surrounding lingering injuries to defensive standout Natalia Kuikka, whose minutes have been limited due to injury management. The absence of Elli Pikkujämsä on the backline and Jutta Rantala in attack creates additional challenges for team chemistry as the tournament begins.
