The 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship has entered the knockout stage following an intense group phase that delivered big wins, surprise upsets, and standout performances. Held across Switzerland, the tournament began on July 2 and will culminate with the final on July 27 in Basel. With 16 nations vying for continental supremacy, defending champions England and World Cup winners Spain headline a thrilling lineup of contenders chasing the coveted title.
Tournament Format: Group Battles to Knockout Drama
Euro 2025 follows a familiar and fierce format. The 16 participating nations were split into four groups of four. The top two teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinals. From here, it’s a single-elimination path through to the final—with extra time and penalties in play if necessary.
As the tournament advances, fans can expect high-stakes clashes between Europe’s elite, including potential revenge matches and heavyweight rivalries.
The Quarterfinal Lineup: Eight Nations, One Goal
Following the completion of the group stage, the eight surviving teams are now gearing up for the quarterfinals:
- Wednesday, July 16
Norway vs. Italy – 21:00 CET, Geneva - Thursday, July 17
Sweden vs. England – 21:00 CET, Zurich - Friday, July 18
Spain vs. Switzerland – 21:00 CET, Bern - Saturday, July 19
France vs. Germany – 21:00 CET, Basel
These fixtures set the stage for potential blockbuster semifinals, with the final scheduled for Sunday, July 27 at 18:00 CET in Basel.
Key Group Stage Highlights
The group stage was packed with drama and dominant displays. Here are some of the most noteworthy moments:
Group A: Norway Tops, Switzerland Squeaks Through
Norway impressed with three wins, while Switzerland edged out Finland to advance. Iceland, despite valiant efforts, exited after three losses.
Group B: Spain on Fire
Spain lit up the group with 14 goals, including a 6-2 dismantling of Belgium. Italy secured the second spot, while Portugal and Belgium bowed out.
Group C: Sweden Stuns Germany
Sweden shocked traditional giants Germany with a 4-1 win, topping Group C. Germany still advanced, narrowly holding off Poland.
Group D: France and England Dominate
France went undefeated, scoring 11 goals and beating England 2-1. England rebounded strongly, crushing Wales 6-1 to secure second place.
Prize Money: Record-High Payouts
UEFA has significantly increased the financial rewards for Euro 2025. The total prize pot stands at €41 million, more than double the amount from the previous edition. Each federation is guaranteed at least €1.8 million, with a requirement to allocate at least 30% to players. The champions could earn up to €5.1 million, raising the stakes even further on the pitch.
Upcoming Semifinals and Final Outlook
Pending quarterfinal results, here’s how the semifinal bracket lines up:
- Tuesday, July 22
Norway/Italy vs. Sweden/England – Geneva - Wednesday, July 23
Spain/Switzerland vs. France/Germany – Zurich
Fans are already speculating about a potential England vs. France or Spain showdown in the final. But with so much talent on display, no prediction feels safe.
Local Kickoff Times
All matches are played in Central European Time (CET):
- 18:00 CET = 12:00 ET / 17:00 UK
- 21:00 CET = 15:00 ET / 20:00 UK
