The Womens EURO 2025 promises to be one of the most thrilling and financially significant tournaments in women’s football history. Hosted in Switzerland, this highly anticipated competition will feature Europe’s top 16 teams, ready to compete for continental glory. With increasing fan engagement, growing attendance, and record-breaking sponsorships, Womens EURO 2025 marks a pivotal moment for women’s football.
This article breaks down everything you need to know, including the group stage draw, key match dates, tournament format, ticket costs, and comparisons to previous years.
Group Stage Overview for Women’s EURO 2025
The Womens EURO 2025 draw was held on December 16, 2024, at the Swiss Tech Convention Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland. The draw divided the 16 qualifying teams into four competitive groups:
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland (Hosts) | Spain | Germany | France |
| Norway | Portugal | Poland | England |
| Iceland | Belgium | Denmark | Wales |
| Finland | Italy | Sweden | Netherlands |
How It Works:
- Each group consists of 4 teams that will compete in a round-robin format during the group stage.
- The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds, beginning with the quarter-finals.
Tournament Schedule: Match Dates to Know
The tournament is set to deliver high-stakes action throughout July 2025. Here’s the complete timeline:
Group Stage
- Matchday 1: July 2–5
- Matchday 2: July 6–9
- Matchday 3: July 10–13
Knockout Phase
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| Quarter-finals | July 16–19 |
| Semi-finals | July 22–23 |
| Final | July 27 (18:00 CET) |
The final match will take place at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland’s largest stadium.
Venues for Women’s EURO 2025: A Closer Look
Switzerland’s selection of eight iconic cities provides a perfect backdrop for the Women’s EURO 2025. Each venue has its unique charm, culture, and footballing heritage, ensuring fans can enjoy a blend of world-class football and local Swiss experiences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the venues:
1. Basel – St. Jakob-Park (Final Venue)
- Capacity: 38,512
- Significance: Known as “Joggeli” to locals, St. Jakob-Park is Switzerland’s largest stadium and will host the Women’s EURO 2025 final on July 27, 2025.
- Why It Stands Out: This modern stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events, including UEFA Champions League matches and international fixtures.
- What to Expect: Fans can anticipate a buzzing atmosphere, with Basel’s vibrant city center offering plenty of pre-match activities, restaurants, and fan zones.
2. Bern – Stadion Wankdorf
- Capacity: 31,783
- Significance: Steeped in history, Stadion Wankdorf is home to Young Boys, one of Switzerland’s top football clubs. It’s remembered for hosting the 1954 FIFA World Cup final.
- Why It Stands Out: A modern redevelopment has transformed this historic site into a state-of-the-art venue.
- What to Expect: Bern’s charming Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a must-visit for fans, with its medieval architecture and vibrant cafés.
3. Geneva – Stade de Genève
- Capacity: 30,084
- Significance: This versatile stadium has hosted UEFA EURO 2008 matches and is home to Servette FC.
- Why It Stands Out: Its location near the French border makes it a convenient choice for international fans traveling to the tournament.
- What to Expect: Geneva, known for its luxury and diplomacy, offers breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Jet d’Eau. Fans can also explore the city’s famous museums and shopping districts.
4. Zurich – Stadion Letzigrund
- Capacity: 26,104
- Significance: While primarily known for athletics (hosting the annual Diamond League event), Stadion Letzigrund is also a key football venue.
- Why It Stands Out: Its sleek, modern design makes it one of the most visually appealing stadiums in Switzerland.
- What to Expect: Zurich, Switzerland’s financial hub, offers a mix of historical landmarks like the Old Town and contemporary attractions such as luxury shopping on Bahnhofstrasse.
5. St. Gallen – Arena St.Gallen
- Capacity: 19,568
- Significance: Home to FC St. Gallen, Switzerland’s oldest professional football club, this stadium boasts a rich footballing tradition.
- Why It Stands Out: Its compact size ensures an intimate and electric atmosphere for fans.
- What to Expect: St. Gallen is famous for its Abbey Library, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its picturesque location near Lake Constance.
6. Lucerne – Allmend Stadion Luzern
- Capacity: 17,000
- Significance: This cozy stadium is home to FC Luzern and is renowned for its scenic setting amidst mountains and lakes.
- Why It Stands Out: Fans can enjoy one of the most stunning backdrops in football, with views of the Swiss Alps surrounding the stadium.
- What to Expect: Lucerne’s iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and the Lion Monument make it a perfect destination for sightseeing before matches.
7. Sion – Stade de Tourbillon
- Capacity: 14,283
- Significance: Known for its passionate fanbase, Stade de Tourbillon is the home ground of FC Sion, a club with a storied history in Swiss football.
- Why It Stands Out: Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, it offers a unique experience for fans seeking a blend of football and nature.
- What to Expect: Sion is renowned for its vineyards and medieval castles, offering visitors a charming retreat between matches.
8. Thun – Arena Thun
- Capacity: 10,000
- Significance: The smallest venue for Women’s EURO 2025, Arena Thun is known for its warm, community-driven atmosphere.
- Why It Stands Out: Its intimate setting ensures that every fan feels close to the action on the pitch.
- What to Expect: Thun, located near Lake Thun, is a picturesque town perfect for exploring alpine trails or enjoying boat cruises.
Why These Venues Matter
The choice of venues for Women’s EURO 2025 reflects Switzerland’s rich footballing tradition and its diverse cultural landscape. These stadiums not only provide world-class facilities but also showcase the country’s unique charm, offering fans an unforgettable tournament experience. From Basel’s grandeur to Thun’s cozy atmosphere, each venue contributes to the growing legacy of women’s football.
Fans attending matches in these cities will have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking scenery, explore Swiss culture, and witness some of the best football Europe has to offer.
How Teams Qualified
The 16 teams reached the Women’s EURO 2025 through two pathways:
- Direct Qualification: 8 teams qualified automatically by excelling in the league stage.
- Play-Off Winners: 7 additional teams earned their spots via intense play-offs.
As hosts, Switzerland received an automatic place in Group A.
Key Games to Watch
Some matches in the Womens EURO 2025 are already drawing significant attention due to rivalries, star players, and group dynamics. Here are the fixtures that could have the highest demand for tickets:
- France vs. England (Group D)
- A clash between two European powerhouses, both featuring some of the world’s top players.
- Spain vs. Portugal (Group B)
- The Iberian derby will bring a mix of flair, passion, and technical football to the tournament.
- Germany vs. Sweden (Group C)
- Germany, one of the most decorated teams in women’s football, faces a tough challenge against a resurgent Sweden.
These key matches will likely have the most expensive tickets due to demand, particularly for games held in larger venues like Basel and Zurich.
Ticket Prices: What to Expect
While official ticket prices are yet to be released, we can look at the 2022 Women’s EURO for reference.
- Group Stage: Prices ranged from €10 to €40 depending on seating.
- Final: Tickets sold for between €50 and €150, with resale prices reaching €500+ for premium seats.
With growing interest in women’s football, prices for Womens EURO 2025 are expected to rise. Fans eager to watch matches like France vs. England or the final in Basel should be prepared for premium ticket costs.
What’s New for Women’s EURO 2025?
The Women’s EURO 2025 introduces a host of innovative features that reflect the tournament’s growing prominence and the evolution of women’s football. Each addition aims to elevate the fan experience, provide better opportunities for players, and expand the tournament’s global reach.
- Increased Prize Money
UEFA has indicated that the prize pool for Women’s EURO 2025 will set a new record, significantly surpassing the €16 million allocated in 2022. This increase ensures higher payouts not only for the winning team but also for all participants. The financial boost underscores UEFA’s commitment to closing the gender pay gap in football and incentivizes nations to invest more in their women’s programs. For example, teams eliminated in the group stage are expected to earn more than double the payout received in 2022, making participation in the tournament more lucrative for smaller football nations. - Greater Broadcasting Reach
For the first time, UEFA has secured broadcasting deals across major markets in Europe, Asia, and North America. Partnerships with streaming giants and traditional broadcasters aim to deliver every match to millions of fans worldwide. Notably, deals with platforms like Amazon Prime in Europe and ESPN in North America mean Women’s EURO 2025 will likely surpass the 365 million global viewership achieved in 2022. Broadcasters are also enhancing coverage with more pre- and post-game analysis, behind-the-scenes access, and interactive features to keep viewers engaged throughout the tournament. - Interactive Fan Zones
Host cities in Switzerland are preparing dedicated fan zones, designed to make the Women’s EURO 2025 experience more immersive for attendees. These zones will feature large screens for live match viewings, food trucks offering local Swiss cuisine, merchandise pop-ups, and interactive games for families and children. Additionally, cultural events such as music performances, Swiss folklore demonstrations, and meet-and-greet sessions with former football legends are planned. These fan zones will serve as community hubs, allowing fans to connect and celebrate the sport together, even if they’re unable to attend matches in person.
Comparing Women’s EURO 2025 to 2022
The Women’s EURO 2022, hosted in England, set unprecedented records for attendance and viewership, creating a benchmark for future tournaments. Here’s how Women’s EURO 2025 is poised to take things to the next level:
- Attendance Records
The 2022 final at Wembley saw an astonishing 87,192 fans, setting the record for the highest attendance at any European Championship match, men’s or women’s. With Switzerland hosting matches in cities like Basel, Zurich, and Geneva, which feature large-capacity stadiums, Women’s EURO 2025 is expected to break even more attendance records. Strategic ticket pricing and an early promotional campaign have already driven high pre-sale interest, particularly for marquee matchups like France vs. England. - Global Viewership Expansion
The 2022 tournament was watched by over 365 million viewers globally. UEFA expects Women’s EURO 2025 to surpass this milestone with its expanded broadcasting reach. Enhanced coverage across previously untapped markets like Japan and the United States, combined with the inclusion of multilingual commentary, aims to attract a more diverse audience. The introduction of 4K live streaming and interactive match-tracking tools will further enrich the viewing experience for fans worldwide. - Fan Engagement
Building on the record-breaking engagement of 2022, Women’s EURO 2025 will introduce new digital platforms, including a dedicated tournament app. Fans will be able to access real-time stats, participate in live polls, and even win prizes by predicting match outcomes. Such initiatives aim to make the tournament more interactive and bring fans closer to the action.
Landmark Event for Women’s Football
The Women’s EURO 2025 is more than just a competition; it’s a testament to the meteoric rise of women’s football. This year’s tournament combines the best talent, cutting-edge infrastructure, and unparalleled global interest to create a spectacle that will leave a lasting legacy.
- High-Stakes Competition
With 16 of Europe’s best teams vying for the championship, the group stage will feature intense matchups and thrilling storylines. Expect nail-biting moments as traditional powerhouses like Germany, England, and Spain face off against rising contenders like Wales and Portugal. The stakes are higher than ever, with increased financial rewards adding an extra layer of motivation for players and teams. - Cultural Impact
Beyond the pitch, Women’s EURO 2025 serves as a cultural movement that celebrates the progress of women’s sports. The inclusion of diverse host cities across Switzerland allows fans to experience a blend of football and Swiss heritage. Each city will showcase its unique culture through localized events, ensuring that the tournament resonates beyond the sporting community. - A Spectacle to Remember
From the electrifying group stage to the grand final at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Women’s EURO 2025 promises unforgettable moments. Whether you’re planning to attend in person or tune in from the comfort of your home, this year’s tournament represents a historic opportunity to witness the pinnacle of women’s football.
For passionate fans and newcomers alike, the Women’s EURO 2025 is the perfect platform to celebrate the sport’s growth and the incredible athletes who continue to inspire on and off the field. With record-breaking attendance, prize money, and global interest, it truly is the dawn of a new era for women’s football.
