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As the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 approaches, anticipation is building for one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory. Sixteen teams will battle it out in Switzerland. While traditional powerhouses remain strong, the field is wide open with several rising contenders poised to surprise.
Drawing on team form, player availability, and tactical depth, this article breaks down the front-runners and the potential upsets that could redefine the European women’s football landscape.
England and Spain Lead the Pack
The UEFA Women’s EURO odds currently place England and Spain as the top contenders—and for good reason.
England enters as defending champions, boasting a roster brimming with experience despite key absences. Under coach Sarina Wiegman, they’ve proven resilient. The squad retains much of its 2022 title-winning core. While Millie Bright and Fran Kirby are unavailable, goalkeeper Hannah Hampton may seize this opportunity to establish herself on the international stage.
Spain, fresh off a 2023 World Cup triumph, offers the tournament’s most technically gifted midfield, anchored by Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas. Though both face early health concerns, Spain’s attacking philosophy remains intact. Claudia Pina, previously an impact substitute, could emerge as a starter. If the duo returns in time for the knockout phase, Spain may have the edge in both creativity and tempo.
Germany and Sweden: Depth With Questions
Germany and Sweden represent experienced sides that could easily reach the final, but they carry question marks.
Germany, runners-up in 2022 and Olympic bronze medalists in 2024, are navigating key injuries. With Lena Oberdorf out and Alex Popp retired, the team has leaned on a retooled attack featuring Lea Schüller and dynamic wingers, maintaining their hallmark precision and power.
Sweden, a perennial threat, is navigating early setbacks. Forward Fridolina Rolfö is sidelined for at least the group stage, while goalkeeper Zecira Musovic is on maternity leave. Still, Champions League hero Stina Blackstenius offers firepower up front, and the squad's depth across the field ensures they remain formidable. Their ability to adjust tactics mid-tournament may determine how deep they go.
France and the Netherlands: Capable but Inconsistent
France and the Netherlands sit in a complicated middle zone, capable of brilliance but shadowed by inconsistency.
France showcases electric players like Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto. Their transition play is unmatched, yet mental lapses in key moments have historically plagued their campaigns. The exclusion of seasoned leaders Wendie Renard and Eugénie Le Sommer only heightens the pressure on younger talents to deliver.
The Netherlands, champions in 2017, no longer carries the same aura of dominance. Recent friendlies have raised questions about their form and starting lineup stability. However, Vivianne Miedema’s return from injury offers hope. If she regains her scoring touch, and Lineth Beerensteyn can deliver consistency, the Dutch could build momentum into the semifinals.
Norway and Italy: Dangerous If Overlooked
If there’s a lesson in the Euro odds history, it’s that underestimating mid-tier teams is risky. Norway, stacked with attacking talent—Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Guro Reiten—could dismantle any defense.
That said, Norway’s chronic underperformance in past tournaments haunts their reputation. If they can find cohesion in high-pressure matches, they’re a viable semifinal threat.
Italy sits firmly in the middle of the rankings but brings tactical unpredictability. The loss of creative midfielder Giulia Dragoni may hurt, but veterans like Cristiana Girelli and emerging players such as Cecilia Salvai could create the chaos necessary to rattle group favorites. If they exploit mismatches and control tempo, Italy could engineer some of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Denmark, Iceland, and Belgium: Skilled Yet Unsettled
Denmark’s attack leans heavily on Pernille Harder, a world-class talent. Their ability to transition quickly and cross with precision is a hallmark. The defense is bolstered by NWSL standout Isabella Obaze. Yet, an overreliance on Harder combined with susceptibility during slow build-ups could limit their progress.
Iceland brings defensive rigor, anchored by Glódís Viggósdóttir, but recent struggles to turn narrow games into confident wins persist. Forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir provides a spark, particularly on long throws. They’ll need improved conversion rates to move past the group stage.
Belgium, seen as a long shot, faces a tough group that includes Spain and Italy. Midfielder Marie Detruyer will be key to controlling tempo, while veteran Tessa Wullaert leads the counterattack. To exceed expectations, Belgium must embrace high-pressure play and avoid early match setbacks.
Switzerland’s home-field advantage could lift them beyond expectations. Though multiple ligament injuries have weakened the roster, 18-year-old forward Sydney Schertenleib could become the breakout star. If she delivers, the crowd might energize the team into a surprise knockout appearance.
Portugal and Poland arrive with different narratives. Portugal struggled in recent Nations League matches but is buoyed by Kika Nazareth’s return. Her creativity could spark group-stage surprises.
Poland, debuting in the tournament, rides the prolific form of Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor, who scored 25 goals this past season. With Paulina Tomasiak supporting, they might transcend their inexperience.
Wales and Finland round out the field. Wales, another debutant, is led by Angharad James and inspired by veteran Jess Fishlock. If Sophie Ingle returns from injury, they could produce one of the tournament's feel-good stories. Finland brings structure and discipline but faces chemistry issues due to injuries across the lineup, notably to defender Natalia Kuikka.
Why This Tournament Feels Different
This iteration of the Women’s EURO arrives at a moment of transition in the sport. Veterans are retiring, and new stars are emerging rapidly across national programs. Unlike past editions, where three or four favorites dominated, the current landscape features a broader middle tier.
This makes upsets more likely and group stages less predictable. For fans, this means more drama and more opportunity for surprise performances that could define the next generation of stars.
Expect tactical innovation and a redefinition of what it means to be a contender. Whether it’s a known powerhouse or an unheralded debutant, 2025 may usher in new narratives that stick beyond the trophy ceremony.
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