GET KICK-OFF READY WITH OUR WOMEN'S EURO GUIDE
Published: 08/04/2024, updated: 01/07/2025 - by Dylan Jones & Will Sendel
Football fever is in the air. Across the country, people are eagerly anticipating the Euros, waiting, wondering, dreaming: Who are the ones to watch? Which are the tournament’s dark horses? Will the Lionesses retain their title?
Take a breath – we'll break it down for you.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about this year’s competition in Switzerland, as well as the format of the tournament and some of the history.
How often is the tournament?
The women's Euros is the second most-watched women’s football tournament globally, behind the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Held every four years, the tournament sees Europe’s best national teams battle it out for the continental crown. The qualifiers begin in the Autumn preceding the World Cup year, with a group-stage format determining who enters the tournament.
Where is the next tournament being held?
The 2025 edition of the Women’s Euros is hosted by Switzerland, with matches being played across eight cities, including Zurich, Basel, and Sion.
Which teams are playing?
The group stage for the Euros in Switzerland begins on July 2nd and ends on July 13th, with the group table as follows:
· Group A: Switzerland (hosts), Norway, Iceland, Finland.
· Group B: Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy.
· Group C: Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden.
· Group D: France, England (defending champions), Wales, Netherlands.
Who is the top scorer of all time?
There are two players who share the honour of being the top Women’s Euros goalscorer, with Inka Grings and Birgit Prinz both having 10 goals apiece. Prinz is one of the most successful players of all time in the Women's Euros, winning the competition five times, scoring four times in 2005 and six times in 2009.
Has England ever won?
England made history by winning the Euros 2022, defeating Germany in a dramatic final at Wembley. Led by head coach Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses played with flair, composure, and determination. From Beth Mead’s Golden Boot-winning performance to Mary Earps’ heroics in goal, England’s run was nothing short of sensational. As the reigning champions, the Lionesses are looking to retain their title in Switzerland this year.
History of Euros
Beginning in 1982, the inaugural Euros competition was won by Sweden, who beat England’s Lionesses on penalties to reign victorious.
In 1987, Norway scooped up the trophy, beating the holders Sweden in the final, which was followed by back-to-back German victories in 1989 (as West Germany) and 1991. In 1993 Norway claimed their second title after a tightly contested final in which they beat the hosts, Italy, 1-0.
1995 – 2013
From 1995 to 2013, Die Nationalelf enjoyed an astonishing run of success. Beginning by beating Sweden 3-2 to win the 1995 tournament, the following competitions saw them conquer Sweden again, Norway twice, Italy and England to secure six consecutive titles and establish themselves as an almighty force on the international stage.
2017
For 22 years, Germany dominated the Euros as the team to beat, until 2017 when the Netherlands claimed the title for the first time. The Dutch side defeated Denmark in the final, with the Leeuwinnen lifting the trophy on home soil to end Germany’s reign.
The latest Euros
The women’s Euros in 2022 was a turning point for the women's game. Hosted by England, the event shattered records, ignited stadiums with roaring crowds, and delivered one of the most memorable finishes in the history of women’s sport. Played across iconic venues including Wembley and Old Trafford, the tournament brought together 16 of Europe’s best teams, all chasing the same dream.
In front of a record-breaking crowd of 87,192 at Wembley Stadium, England defeated eight-time champions Germany in a gripping final that went to extra time. Chloe Kelly etched her name in the history books, scoring the winning goal in the 110th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory and delivering England’s first major women’s football title.
It was a tournament of firsts, with the highest-ever attendance for a Women’s Euro match and tournament. It achieved record-breaking viewing figures across Europe and unprecedented levels of media coverage and public engagement.
Last year’s competition was about more than lifting a trophy, it inspired a generation, shifted public perception, and proved that the women’s game belongs on the biggest stage. The legacy continues, with new fans and more investment heading into the Euros in Switzerland.