Euro 2025: Wales prepare for biggest tournament in their history | OneFootball

Wales’ historic qualification for the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland meant one thing: the women’s team would be going to their first-ever major tournament. For a nation with a growing football culture, this milestone represents a culmination of years of dedication, development and perseverance.

As the lowest-ranked side in their group, Wales are embracing their underdog status and are gearing up to take on some of the giants of European football, including England, France and the Netherlands.

Their journey to Switzerland is being bolstered by participation in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League. This is a crucial stepping stone for the team to face elite competition and refine their tactics ahead of the summer tournament.

With games spread across Wales in iconic venues from Wrexham to Swansea, the team is not only preparing for the challenges ahead but also rallying national support like never before. This is more than just football. It’s a defining moment for Welsh sport and identity.

National League Campaign: Testing ground for Euro 2025

Wales’ participation in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League marks a significant milestone for the team, having earned promotion after topping League B last year during their Euro qualifying campaign. This campaign offers a critical platform for the team to test themselves against some of Europe’s strongest sides and fine-tune their approach ahead of their first major tournament. It will serve as a critical platform to face strong opponents and sharpen their skills.

The unique nature of their home campaign is that Wales will play their home matches at three different venues. The locations are Wrexham, Swansea and Cardiff, in an effort to engage supporters from all corners of the country. This approach not only builds national pride but also allows fans to feel directly connected to the team’s journey. The Nations League campaign will test Wales against elite teams and prepare them for the intensity of Euro 2025.

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Wales’ National League opponents

Italy

Ranked 13th in the FIFA world rankings and renowned as a powerhouse of European football, Italy bring a wealth of experience and tactical discipline, making them a formidable opening opponent for Wales. Italy made their Women’s World Cup debut in 2019, delivering a historic quarter-final run a testament to their fearlessness on the big stage.

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Sweden

Ranked fifth in the FIFA world rankings, Sweden are known for their consistency on the global stage, making them a formidable opponent. Facing Sweden provides Wales with a valuable experience against a top 10 team preparing them for similar challenges, such as England in the upcoming Euros. Sweden boast an impressive history of success, with bronze at the 1993 Euros, silver at the 2003 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, and bronze at the 2011 World Cup and 2004 Olympics.

Denmark

Denmark, with their rich footballing pedigree and current FIFA ranking as the 12th-best team in the world, will provide a stern test for Wales’ defensive resilience and attacking creativity. Although they had to wait until the Euro 2017 to reach their first major final, Denmark have long been a formidable force in women’s football. As a result of this success, the Danish women’s league has seen significant growth, attracting new sponsors and increased TV coverage as the game continues to thrive.

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Road to Euro 2025 Finals

Wales have been drawn into a group of footballing giants all ranked within the top 15 in the world: England, France and the Netherlands. As the lowest-ranked team in the group, Wales will embrace their underdog status.

The campaign will test their skills and provide an opportunity to showcase their growth on the European stage.

Opponents

Netherlands: As the Euro 2017 champions, the Netherlands bring a wealth of experience and talent. They boast a strong squad featuring some of the world’s best players. Renowned for their attacking prowess and technical skill they represent a formidable opening challenge for Wales in Lucerne, holding their place as the 10th best team in the FIFA rankings.

France: As Euro 2022 semi-finalists, France has a reputation for flair and creativity on the pitch. They represent a daunting challenge for Wales. But whilst they are the 11th-best team in the world, Wales pushed them hard in two close defeats during the 2023 World Cup qualifiers. Now, Wales will hope to push them to the end once again.

England: The reigning UEFA Women’s Euro champions enter the tournament as one of the favourites, currently ranked fourth in the world by FIFA. England’s deep, talented squad has a rich history against Wales, including a dominant victory during the 2019 World Cup qualifiers. Wales have never beaten England, and with their historic rivalry, this matchup will be Wales’ toughest challenge yet. Despite the uphill battle, Wales can draw motivation from their underdog status and aim to secure a positive result against their neighbours.

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Final preparations

Wales’s rigorous Nations League campaign serves as a perfect preparation ground for the intensity of Euro 2025. These matches against top-tier opponents allow the team to refine their strategies and adapt to the pressures of high-stakes football. Playing in iconic venues across Europe also gives the players valuable experience with the environments they’ll encounter in Switzerland.

A nation’s moment to shine

As Wales gear up for Euro 2025, their journey holds immense significance. From their historic qualification to the rigorous tests in the Nations League, the team has shown resilience. By rallying fans and embracing their underdog status, they’re uniting a nation and proving they belong on Europe’s biggest stage.

The challenges ahead will be tricky, with powerhouses like England, France and the Netherlands standing in their way. However, the journey itself is a victorious one that highlights the progress of Welsh football and its future. With history in the making, Wales are inspiring a new generation while cementing their place in European football.

For Wales, Euro 2025 isn’t just a competition, it’s a celebration of their journey and potential. The road ahead will be tough, but for Wales, the dream has already begun.

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