The countdown has begun, and excitement is building across Europe as the UEFA Women’s European Championship returns this summer. Taking place between 2nd and 27th July, Switzerland will host the 2025 Women’s Euros, featuring 16 nations competing for continental glory.
This tournament marks a significant evolution from the previous 12-team format, offering more matches and drama. Although Ireland will not be on the pitch, the tournament’s narrative is inescapable, and for passionate football supporters at home, it promises to be a summer of pure football.
Women’s Euros 2025: things to know
Switzerland will host the 2025 edition of the Women’s Euros. From Basel to Geneva, stadiums will fill with fans cheering their favourites on a journey that spans four thrilling weeks. The tournament’s grand finale will be held in Basel on 27th July.
This year’s format is more expansive with 16 teams divided into four groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, followed by the most decisive moments of the competition in the single-elimination semis and the eagerly anticipated final.
England head into Switzerland as defending champions after their historic victory in 2022. Their squad was imbued with confidence, resilience and a touch of English swagger when they lifted the trophy in England. Now, having navigated squad changes and retirements, they will once again aim to get through the group stages and knockout rounds to defend what they so expertly claimed three years ago.
Switzerland’s hosting has brought a festival vibe – local organising committees have promised bustling fan zones and safe, welcoming stadium experiences. The efficient public transport network and central locations of venues should help travelling fans enjoy the full benefit of Swiss hospitality.
Who are the Tonybet favourites?
Analysing the favourites brings a familiar set of names, but with interesting subplots for each. Tonybet has Spain as the clear favourites at 3/1. Following them closely are England, Germany and France, all clustering near the head of the market.
Spain’s case is compelling. As reigning World Cup champions and recent Nations League winners, their rise has been relentless. Their domestic league supports world-class talent, from the technical brilliance of Barcelona’s stars to never-say-die grit across the squad.
This is underpinned by a roster brimming with confidence and experience, including Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and emerging stars who have cemented their status at elite level.
Not far behind are England (4/1), who are charged with the burden of defending their crown and answering Spain’s dominance. Their squad, while still rich in elite talent, is missing key players to injury, including Millie Bright and Fran Kirby. Nevertheless, the mix of leadership, new blood and tactical prowess should position them as a formidable adversary, poised to challenge at least for a semi-final berth.
France and Germany round out the top contenders in odds. Tonybet prices France at 5/1 and Germany at 6/1, both reflecting squads with deep talent pools and strong tournament pedigrees. France has shown flashes of brilliance, especially with players such as Wendie Renard and Eugénie Le Sommer, though consistency remains a question. Germany’s legacy speaks volumes: eight Euro titles and a culture of winning make them dangerous, regardless of their form in recent years.
Other nations shouldn’t be overlooked. Italy, newly professionalised and buoyed by a rising domestic league, will be quietly confident of causing an upset. Then there’s the host, Switzerland, always an unpredictable dark horse, and the Netherlands with their technical style and Euro-winning experience.
Group dynamics will matter immensely as 50-50 margins decide knockout tickets. England could meet Germany or France in the next round, while Spain are pitted against ambitious outsiders such as Sweden or Italy. Dark horses such as the Netherlands or Sweden could climb, but historical consistency leans heavily towards Spain, England, Germany and France as the semi-finalists.
If Spain maintain control and energy, then their balanced squad of creators, destroyers and finishers could overwhelm their opponents. England’s utter professionalism and championship mindset make them a strong adversary, while France and Germany will rely on experience to navigate the high-pressure environment.
A possible semi-final showdown between Spain and England would echo the 2023 World Cup final – a rematch that fans and pundits alike crave. If it happens, the victor will have immense confidence heading into the final.
Under the radar, Italy might surprise, especially if they sustain their form from their professional domestic league and group cohesion. Switzerland, playing at home, could shock groups with their sturdy defence and with home support behind them.
Spain – a new era of dominance
Spain’s recent achievements deserve deeper reflection. Their World Cup win in 2023 against England wasn’t a one-off – it was a statement. Their subsequent Nations League success has confirmed that this was no flash in the pan. Tonybet’s odds reflect both respect and caution. Expectations are high, but Sweden once dropped them into a full rearguard moment.
Under Jorge Vilda’s guidance, Spain have evolved tactically and mentally. Their midfield engine, anchored by Bonmatí and Putellas, allows them to control the pace and tempo, while a crop of emerging forwards and defenders provide energy and creativity. Group stage tests will come, but they possess the stamina and adaptability to get through to the final.
Ireland’s journey – heartbreak and hope
After the joy of reaching the 2023 World Cup, Ireland’s hopes for another debut were thwarted in agonising fashion. In November and December 2024, they navigated their qualifiers with a win over Georgia before securing a tense 1-1 draw in Cardiff against Wales. Back home, the tension reached breaking point at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium .
In front of more than 25,000 passionate fans, Ireland started well, creating chance after chance. Denise O’Sullivan rattled the woodwork and Katie McCabe drove forward relentlessly. Yet following a VAR-reviewed handball by Anna Patten, Wales earned a penalty, which Hannah Cain dispatched accurately. A swift break produced Carrie Jones’s powerful goal before Patten’s late header offered a fleeting glimmer – but it was not enough.
The pain was raw. Kyra Carusa described it as feeling like “it takes the air out of your lungs”, while captain Katie McCabe admitted to being “beyond gutted” but determined not to let this define them. Manager Eileen Gleeson, avoiding contract chatter, acknowledged provocation from the Welsh bench and urged the team to continue rebuilding around future competitions.
Young centre‑half Jessie Stapleton, just 20 and capped 15 times by then, took the loss as motivation. “I never want to feel like that again,” she said, as she prepares for World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches, including two tough games in Denver against the USA. It’s bittersweet knowing that Euro 2025 will unfold without the Irish badge, but with youth, character and ambition, Ireland’s women are already planning their comeback.
Keep up to date with Tonybet
The UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 is shaping up to be memorable – a perfect blend of pride, intensity and footballing excellence. With 16 teams in an expanded format, the tournament promises more matches and increased opportunities for surprises.
As the tournament progresses, Tonybet will be offering hundreds of markets across all the matches. There are plenty of pre-tournament markets to bet on, and now is the perfect chance to place your wager and cheer on your chosen nation as they look to reach the final in Basel.
