The UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 tournament is set to begin in Switzerland, featuring 16 of Europe`s top national teams. Defending champions England will be the team to beat, while Spain enter the competition as strong co-favorites for the title. Other traditional powerhouses like Germany, France, and Sweden face similar challenges from emerging teams, highlighting the unpredictable nature of tournament football.
Considerable discussion exists regarding which teams are favorites, dark horses, or long shots. The true picture will emerge once the group stage begins. Recent form, squad depth, and other factors will ultimately determine the top European team. Here is a current assessment of how the 16 teams rank:
1. England
Led by head coach Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses are the defending champions and start the tournament as the top-ranked team. Despite the international retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby and the absence of Millie Bright, many players from the victorious 2022 squad remain, capable of another deep run. While there are questions in the goalkeeping department, this presents an opportunity for Hannah Hampton.
2. Spain
The 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup winners are top contenders to challenge England for the title. Boasting arguably the world`s best midfield with Ballon d`Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, Spain combines technical dominance with relentless attacking fluidity. However, Bonmati`s medical condition (recovering from meningitis) creates uncertainty regarding her availability for the group stage, as does goalkeeper Cata Coll`s battle with tonsillitis. This tournament might be where Claudia Pina steps into a starter role instead of an impact substitute.
3. Germany
Adding complexity to the favorite discussion are Germany. The runners-up in 2022 and bronze medalists at the 2024 Olympics come into the tournament in mostly solid form. They are without Lena Oberdorf due to injury, and Alex Popp has retired. However, a rebuilt attack featuring Lea Schuller and dynamic wingers has proven effective against defenses, making them a formidable opponent throughout the competition.
4. Sweden
Perennially a threat in tournaments, Sweden remains a challenging opponent even with some injury concerns. An ankle injury sidelining Fridolina Rolfo for at least the first group match is a significant loss, as is the absence of rising star Rosa Kafaji and goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who is on leave while pregnant. Despite this, the squad has depth across the roster, and Stina Blackstenius is in form after winning the Champions League and scoring the winning 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 formidable on counterattacks. These players will keep France a threat throughout the competition. However, France`s historical `tournament mentality` issues have lingered, and they don`t seem to have fully overcome this narrative, especially with veterans Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer omitted from the roster.
6. Netherlands
Champions in the 2017 Euro, the Dutch have seen a slight dip in standing compared to other top teams globally since then. While their 2017 triumph is memorable, there`s considerable uncertainty surrounding their recent form and starting lineup choices, placing them outside the clear favorites but too strong to be considered dark horses. Vivianne Miedema appears to have overcome fitness concerns in recent Euro tune-ups, although Lineth Beerensteyn`s status remains questionable.
7. Norway
An attack featuring Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Guro Reiten seems destined for the top five of any ranking, yet here Norway is. While their offense, with its set-piece ability and explosive transitions, can compete with any in Europe, this squad has a history of underperforming in major international tournaments.
8. Italy
Every ranking needs a potential surprise pick, and Italy firmly occupies the middle ground. They possess enough tactical flexibility, and with the experience of veteran Cristiana Girelli, the team could adapt its shape to create the right amount of unpredictability in matches. They will miss Giulia Dragoni`s creativity but may find another answer in the midfield with Cecilia Salvai.
9. Denmark
The Danish team rallies around Pernille Harder`s elite attacking skills and excels at quick transitions and crossing, supported by defensive strength boosted by NWSL defender Isabella Obaze. However, like any team heavily reliant on one player, too much dependence could lead to problems, and Denmark`s turnovers during slower play might prove costly.
10. Iceland
This team is often well-organized and defensively solid. Led by centerback Glódís Viggósdóttir, who has managed a lingering injury since May, the team has struggled to convert close matches into convincing wins. Forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir is a bright spot in attack and with long throws, but if they reach the knockout stages, they could face significant difficulties.
11. Belgium
Belgium has serious long-shot potential. Placed in a tough group with Italy, Spain, and Portugal, they will need to embrace the pressure of a major tournament. They will rely on team captain Tessa Wullaert for counterattacks, while young midfielder Marie Detruyer orchestrates play.
12. Switzerland
It`s natural to expect a host nation to perform well, especially with a promising young prospect like 18-year-old forward Sydney Schertenleib to support. If she has a breakthrough performance, it could inspire the squad and the nation. However, losing multiple players to ligament tears just before the tournament suggests they might face a challenging start.
13. Portugal
The team endured four consecutive Nations League losses and anxiously awaited news regarding Kika Nazareth`s availability. Tournament football offers a fresh start, and Portugal has shown they can be a tricky side in high-stakes games. Nazareth`s return from injury, with her flair on the pitch, might be the spark that changes their fortunes.
14. Poland
Poland makes their tournament debut, fueled by forward Ewa Pajor. The striker is undoubtedly one of the world`s best finishers, having scored 25 goals for Barcelona. A rising profile like Paulina Tomasiak alongside her might mean that over-reliance on a single player isn`t a huge issue. However, their very limited tournament experience could be a tough hurdle.
15. Wales
The debutants enter the Euros with nothing to lose and everything to gain, driven by an unshakeable belief. Led by captain Angharad James, who credits head coach Rhian Wilkinson for the mentality shift echoed by veteran Jess Fishlock, the Welsh Dragons could spring some surprises, especially if Sophie Ingle`s return from injury proves successful on the pitch.
16. Finland
This team is known for disciplined defense and using set pieces or counterattacks to disrupt games. However, there are concerns about lingering injuries to defensive star Natalia Kuikka, whose minutes have been limited by injury management. The absence of Elli Pikkujämsä on the backline and Jutta Rantala in attack presents further challenges to team chemistry as the tournament commences.
