100 days to go until EURO 2025: The current state of women’s football and England’s chances in Switzerland | OneFootball

With just 100 days to go, anticipation is building for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, taking place in Switzerland from July 2 to July 27.

With record-breaking viewership expected, rising attendance figures, and increased investment in the women’s game, this tournament promises to be a landmark event for women’s football.

Switzerland are hosting the tournament for the first time, with matches played across eight cities. St. Jakob-Park in Basel, the nation’s largest stadium with a capacity of around 38,000, will host the final on July 27.

With a competitive field of 16 teams, including reigning champions England and world champions Spain, the stage is set for an electrifying month of football.

The growing spotlight on women’s football

The Women’s Euros has grown exponentially in recent years, and 2025 is set to continue that trajectory. In 2022, a record 365 million viewers tuned in – a 60% increase from 2017. This year, predictions suggest the tournament could surpass 400 million global viewers, with live coverage broadcast across more than 195 countries.

Stadium attendances are also expected to rise. The last tournament saw 575,000 fans attend, and UEFA has set ambitious targets to beat that figure. Even with the smallest Swiss venue holding just 10,000 spectators, the demand for tickets is high.

Commercial interest in the tournament  is strong. Major brands are investing heavily, with many partnerships aligning with UEFA’s “Unstoppable” strategy – aiming to make women’s football the most-played sport for girls in Europe. Sponsorship deals will not only boost visibility but also help drive the game’s long-term sustainability.

Is women’s football in the best place it has ever been?

Since 2020, participation numbers have increased significantly, with 170,000 more girls and women having taken up football in the UK. This comes as a direct result of England’s EURO 2022 success and the FA’s ‘Inspiring Positive Change’ strategy.

We have seen rising viewership and attendances, with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup attracting two billion viewers (up from 1.1 billion in 2019) and nearly two million fans in stadiums. Women’s leagues across Europe, including the Women’s Super League in England and Liga F in Spain, continue to see rising attendance and expanded broadcast deals. Following England’s EURO 2022 victory, WSL viewership rose by 36%, and live attendances continue to grow across leagues in Europe.

UEFA aims to establish six fully professional women’s leagues in Europe by 2030, through increased investment and professionalisation. Clubs and national federations are increasing player salaries, medical support, and training resources. Brands like Visa, Nike, and Barclays are investing heavily, while dedicated media coverage continues to grow.

Despite progress, challenges remain and hurdles still exist. Pay and resource disparities remain a major issue, with many nations still struggling to fully professionalise. Fixture congestion and a rise in ACL injuries has raised player welfare concerns, while women’s football continues to be scheduled around men’s schedules. Grassroots football still faces inequalities and sustained investment and structural reforms are necessary to maintain momentum beyond marquee events like the Euros.

The teams and groups

The 16 teams have been drawn into four groups, with the top two from each advancing to the quarter-finals:

Group A: Switzerland (hosts), Norway, Iceland, Finland

Group B: Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy

Group C: Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden

Group D: France, England, Wales, Netherlands

Reigning champions England are in the so-called “group of death,” facing 2017 winners Netherlands, World Cup semi-finalists France, and debutants Wales.

Spain: the favourites?

Spain enter the tournament as World Cup champions and Europe’s top-ranked team. Led by Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, along with rising star and Barcelona teammate Salma Paralluelo, they remain a formidable force.

However, since their World Cup triumph, Spain have shown signs of vulnerability. They suffered a Euros qualifier loss to Czechia, missed out on an Olympic medal after falling to Germany, and drew friendlies against Italy and Canada. Their recent Nations League defeat to England at Wembley will give the Lionesses confidence.

Off-field difficulties since their World Cup victory add further uncertainty, but if rankings hold, Spain’s likely route to the final could include a quarter-final against Norway, a semi-final against England, and a final showdown with Germany.

How do England compare to 2022?

England’s squad has evolved since their 2022 triumph, blending experience with rising stars like Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton, and Jess Park, who netted against Spain.

A shaky 4-3 loss to Germany last year exposed defensive frailties, but Sarina Wiegman insists the squad are on a journey towards the summer. She will hope key players Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp, and Alex Greenwood return from injury in time.

Despite a rocky qualifying campaign, finishing behind France, who they play in their opening fixture on July 5, England remain top contenders.

If England top Group D, their potential path to the final could be:

Quarter-final: Sweden (July 19, Basel)

Semi-final: Spain (July 23, Zurich)

Final: Germany (July 27, Basel)

A big moment for debutants

Wales and Poland are the two teams set to be making their major tournament debuts in Switzerland.

After a dramatic play-off win over the Republic of Ireland, Wales enter a tough group but will be eager to make their mark. Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle’s ACL injury comeback will be a key storyline in the build up, with the former captain remaining optimistic she will return in time, to add to her 141 caps in Switzerland.

Poland’s qualification is a result of years of investment, including the PZPN’s (Polish Football Association) “Time for Us” strategy, launched in 2022. Led by Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor, Poland have big ambitions for their women’s football strategy, hosting the UEFA U-19 Euros in 2025 and the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup in 2026. They are also bidding for future marquee events, including the Women’s EURO 2029.

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 is set to be a groundbreaking tournament, with record audiences, sold-out stadiums, and England looking to defend their title.

The next 100 days will be full of anticipation ahead of all eyes being on Switzerland come the summer.