Euro 2025: Four nations you should not overlook as England defend their crown | OneFootball

Euro 2025 has officially begun and the long-awaited tournament is finally underway. A total of 16 nations have earned their spot on the in Switzerland, ready to compete for the European title.

So often, the spotlight shines upon the top-performing nations. While they are simply expected to progress to the knockout stages, other countries should not be underestimated — Switzerland, Wales, Belgium and Iceland are a few.

The women’s game is constantly growing, but it is important that there are no nations left behind. Although on paper they are ranked lower than their opponents, these countries have the passion and determination to step up in a major tournament. Sometimes, team spirit and tactical execution count as much as ability and popularity.

Will the highly ranked teams finish at the top, as predicted, or will these countries shock on the global stage?

Switzerland: Euro 2025 home nation

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Despite sitting in 23rd place in FIFA’s Women’s World rankings, Switzerland are the hosts this summer. Never underestimate the home nation. Spreading across eight Swiss cities, fans nationwide are ready to support.

In group A, Switzerland have the self-belief of progression with a reasonable draw: Finland, Iceland and Norway. Although the Norwegians have finished runners-up four times at a European Championship, they did not meet their expectations for the UEFA Women’s Nations League. The Swiss team require a tactical masterclass and clinical performance to outsmart their opponents.

In their final friendly ahead of the tournament, head coach Pia Sundhage’s squad saw a comfortable 4-1 win over the Czech Republic. This is the confidence boost they needed to perform in front of their home crowds. Four different players put themselves on the scoresheet, another promising sign of the talent within this diverse squad.

However, in recent days the team have suffered the loss of two key players: Ramona Bachmann (ACL) and Luana Bühler. Their absence is a huge disappointment for the nation, as individuals who lead by example and contribute greatly to the team’s performance.

Nevertheless, captain Lia Wälti is prepared to lead her team out on home soil. Sundhage’s 23 players are ready to perform with pride as the home nation, counting on the home advantage to progress to the knockouts. An incredible over 600,000 tickets have been sold — this could be the key to Switzerland’s best finish in their history.

Wales: The major tournament debutants

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For the first time in Welsh history, Cymru are participating in a major tournament. Under head coach Rhian Wilkinson, there is a new era for the women’s national team. Wales are a diligent and skilful team, proving themselves worthy of no doubt their first of many international competitions.

Regarding the group stages, it will take something spectacular for Wales to see it through to the knockouts. They will face three highly ranked nations: France, the Netherlands, and the current European Champions in England. Some may call this the ‘group of death’, which will take an unbelievable tactical execution to top.

This is the greatest honour for each player, especially the skipper, Angharad James. With so much talent in the squad — Jess Fishlock, Sophie Ingle, and Elise Hughes to name a few — the team cannot be discounted. Ingle’s availability for the Euros squad selection was in doubt, following her ACL injury. Her extended period of recovery put into question her fitness and return to the pitch; this is a huge boost for Wales.

Yet, their qualification means so much more than simply competing on the global stage. Since 2023, both male and female footballers have been paid equally for their contributions to the national team. Alongside this, there has been a significant increase in grassroots football participation for aspiring women’s footballers.

Wilkinson’s side has their opportunity to shine this summer, but they already have paved the way for the future generation of young Welsh footballers for years to come.

Belgium: A squad full of belief at Euro 2025

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The Belgium Red Flames are another country that could surprise the women’s football community this summer. In 2017, the nation qualified for its first major tournament. Now, they are looking to build on this and progress beyond the quarter-finals to achieve their best finish to date.

Group B is a challenging group for Belgium. They are set to compete against Portugal, Italy, and current World Champions Spain. Placed 20th in the FIFA rankings, the Red Flames are not expected to reach the knockouts on paper, as Spain and Italy are the favourites. However, this is a side capable of stepping up under pressure.

To give an example, Belgium experienced a rollercoaster form in the Nations League. They turned around a 5-0 away loss against the European Champions, to secure a 3-2 victory in a tense comeback. Beating England so close to the Euros is an extreme confidence boost, which proves their clinical goal-scoring opportunities and forward vision.

One player who must not go unmentioned is captain Tessa Wullaert. The skipper holds the second highest number of caps by any Belgian footballer in the women’s national team. She has made 22 appearances for her country. To remain in the squad for her third European Championship is a privilege for the forward. Her sights will be set on hitting the back of the net, continuing her positive and consistent goalscoring form in gold, black and red.

Head coach Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir has transformed this Belgian side into a squad with high potential and ambition. Posing a threat to the opposition with their strategic set pieces and impact on the counterattack, the Red Devils must not be underestimated during Euro 2025.

Iceland: Unfinished business

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This summer marks Iceland’s fifth consecutive appearance at the Euros. Þorsteinn Halldórsson’s 23-player squad are looking to build on their history in the European Championships and reach new heights.

If the nation is judged on their previous form, hopes are diminished for their progression in the tournament. Currently, they are suffering a winning drought — the last recorded victory was in July 2024. However, Iceland’s impressive qualification campaign is not one to forget. Grouped with Germany, Poland and Austria, it was feared they would not make it. But their composure and intelligent structure were enough to secure some unexpected victories.

Regarding the group stage, Halldórsson is pleased with the draw. Switzerland, Finland and Norway are tough competition, however, there is a strong belief that Iceland can complete their unfinished business. Reliant on possession football and attack build-ups, the performance must be flawless. In particular, to conquer the home nation.

Young, rising midfielder Karólína Vilhjálmsdóttir, is a player to watch following her goalscoring form in Icelandic blue. Four of six goals netted during their Nations League campaign were thanks to her clinical finish and intuition to drive through the opponents’ defence. If the midfielder reignites this form during the Euros, she could be the difference between progression to the knockouts and heading back on an early flight home.

Overall, the Icelandic squad has so much potential to succeed beyond the group stages. The balance between experienced players and those with youth on their side, alongside their drive to surpass expectations, could be enough to remind fans why this squad is so remarkable.

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