The UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 tournament is set to begin in Switzerland, featuring 16 of Europe`s top national teams. As the defending champions, England will be the team everyone wants to beat. Spain enters the competition alongside England as a leading contender for the title. Traditional European football powerhouses like Germany, France, and Sweden face strong challenges from emerging teams, highlighting the unpredictable nature of tournament football.
Significant discussion surrounds which teams are considered favorites, potential dark horses, or long shots. However, the true picture will emerge once the group stage begins. Factors such as recent performance, squad strength, and depth will play a crucial role in determining who ultimately claims the European title. Here is a current assessment of how the 16 participating teams rank:
1. England
Led by head coach Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses are the defending champions and start the tournament as the top-ranked side. Despite key international retirements (Mary Earps, Fran Kirby) and the withdrawal of Millie Bright, many players from the 2022 championship-winning squad remain, suggesting another strong tournament run is possible. Goalkeeping is a potential concern, but it also offers Hannah Hampton a chance to excel.
2. Spain
As the winners of the 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup, Spain is expected to be a major challenger to England for the title. Their midfield, featuring Ballon d`Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, is arguably the world`s best, known for technical skill and dynamic attacking play. However, doubts exist over Bonmati`s availability early on due to a medical condition (recovering from meningitis) and goalkeeper Cata Coll`s fitness (battling tonsillitis). This could open the door for players like Claudia Pina to move from impact substitute to starter.
3. Germany
Adding complexity to the favorite discussions are Germany. The runners-up in 2022 and bronze medalists at the 2024 Olympics come into the tournament in generally solid form. They are without Lena Oberdorf due to injury, and Alex Popp has retired, but a revamped attack featuring Lea Schuller and dynamic wingers has proven effective against defenses, making them a formidable opponent throughout the competition.
4. Sweden
Always a perennial tournament threat, 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 absence, as are the absences of promising star Rosa Kafaji and goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who is on leave during pregnancy. The squad possesses considerable depth across the roster, and Stina Blackstenius arrives fresh off winning the Champions League and scoring the decisive goal.
5. France
It`s impossible not to be impressed by the electrifying play of Kadidiatou Diani and Marie Antoinette Katoto, while Sandy Baltimore and Salma Bacha are exceptional on the counterattack. These players will keep France a threat throughout the competition. However, France`s historical struggles with a consistent `tournament mentality` have long been a narrative, and they don`t seem to have fully overcome this, especially with veterans like Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer omitted from the squad.
6. Netherlands
Champions in the 2017 Euro, the Dutch have since seen a slight dip compared to other top teams globally. While their 2017 triumph is a key moment, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding their recent form and starting lineup, placing them outside the clear favorites but too strong to be considered dark horses. Vivianne Miedema appears to have overcome fitness doubts in recent Euro warm-up matches, though the status of Lineth Beerensteyn remains uncertain.
7. Norway
An attack featuring Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Guro Reiten is undoubtedly world-class, yet here we find them outside the top five rankings. While their offense can match any in Europe with strong set-piece capabilities and explosive transitions, this group has a history of consistently underperforming in major international tournaments.
8. Italy
Sometimes you need a team that could potentially surprise, and Italy fits firmly in the middle of the pack. They possess enough tactical flexibility, and with the experience of veteran Cristiana Girelli, the team has the ability to adapt and potentially create unpredictable matches. They will miss Giulia Dragoni`s creativity but may find another solution in midfield with Cecilia Salvai.
9. Denmark
The Danish team often rallies around Pernille Harder`s elite attacking talent and excels at quick transitions and crossing, with defensive strength boosted by NWSL defender Isabella Obaze. However, like any team, an over-reliance on a single player can lead to difficulties, and Denmark`s turnovers during slower build-up play could pose problems.
10. Iceland
This team is typically well-organized and defensively stingy. Led by centerback Glódís Viggósdóttir, who has been managing a lingering injury since May, the squad has struggled to convert close matches into convincing wins. Forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir is a positive force in attack and with long throws, but if they reach the knockout stages, they could face significant challenges.
11. Belgium
Belgium carries strong long-shot energy. Placed in a difficult group alongside Italy, Spain, and Portugal, they will need to embrace the pressure inherent in a major tournament. Their counterattacks will heavily rely on team captain Tessa Wullaert, while young midfielder Marie Detruyer is key to their playmaking.
12. Switzerland
It`s a natural inclination to expect a host nation to perform well in their own tournament, especially when they have a promising young player to support, like 18-year-old forward Sydney Schertenleib. A breakout performance from her could galvanize the squad and the nation, but losing multiple players to ligament tears just before the tournament suggests a potentially challenging start.
13. Portugal
The team experienced four consecutive Nations League losses and faced uncertainty regarding Kika Nazareth`s availability. Tournament football offers a fresh start, and Portugal has demonstrated they can be a tricky side in high-stakes matches. Nazareth`s return from injury, bringing her flair to the pitch, might just provide the spark needed to change their fortunes.
14. Poland
Poland makes its debut in the tournament, fueled by forward Ewa Pajor. She is undoubtedly one of the world`s best goalscorers, having netted 25 goals for Barcelona. With Paulina Tomasiak also rising in profile, the reliance on a single player might not be as significant an issue. However, their very limited tournament experience could prove to be a tough hurdle.
15. Wales
These debutants enter the Euros with nothing to lose and everything to gain, driven by an unshakeable belief. Led by team captain Angharad James, who credits the mentality shift to head coach Rhian Wilkinson (a sentiment echoed by squad veteran Jess Fishlock), the team feels revitalized. If Sophie Ingle`s return from injury allows her to be fully tested on the pitch, the Welsh Dragons have the potential to cause some upsets.
16. Finland
This team is known for disciplined defense and utilizing set pieces or counterattacks to impact games. However, there are questions regarding lingering injuries to defensive star Natalia Kuikka, who has had limited minutes due to managing her injury. The absence of Elli Pikkujämsä on the backline and Jutta Rantala in attack presents further challenges to team chemistry as the tournament begins.
