As the first qualifier Euro 2025 seasons closes, here’s all the team already certain to play final tournament in Switzerland next year
As the UEFA Women’s Football European Qualifiers is done, nine teams – eight coming from the four League A groups and Switzerland as host nation – are already a certain spot in the next Euro 2025 Championship scheduled in Switzerland (July 2-July 27 2025).
Here’s a detailed look into the general scenario for each group in League A, highlighting the teams clinching their final admission as four will be relegated in next League B season…
League A
Group 1
In the most difficult and balanced group by far, Italy finished their campaign on a high note by beating Finland 4-0 (Beccari, Giugliano, Cambiaghi, and an own goal by Nystrom) to take the top spot. It was a splendid run for the Azzurre, who emerged strongly from a season that began very challenging after the disappointment of being eliminated from the World Cup in Australia.
With Italy topping the group thanks to results in direct encounters against Netherlands, Oranjie finished second, barely qualifying thanks to a draw with Norway in Bergen. The Dutch were at great risk, falling behind to a Caroline Graham Hansen goal due to a defensive error. Vivianne Miedema, who hadn’t scored for the national team in almost two years, saved the Netherlands with a header, her 96th goal for the national team.
Italy and the Netherlands qualified, while Norway and Finland (relegated to League B) moved to the playoffs.
Group 2
Spain, having qualified with full points after the first four matches, suffered a heavy loss in Czech Republic, although it was inconsequential for their qualification. There was much anticipation for the performance of the team, which is among the super-favorites for the upcoming Olympics in Paris next week. Against Belgium, Aitana Bonmatí scored the 1-0 goal in the 39th minute on a cross from Olga Carmona. Shortly before the end, substitute Teresa Abelleira struck from midfield after catching the opposing goalkeeper off guard. Jenni Hermoso also hit the crossbar.
The other already qualified team, Denmark, beat the Czech Republic 2-0 with two quick goals from Signe Bruun and Janni Thomsen.
Spain and Denmark qualified, while Belgium and the Czech Republic (relegated to League B due to poorer results in head-to-head encounters) moved to the playoffs.
Group 3
England saved themselves in the highly anticipated match against Sweden. The European champion Lionesses kept their nerves in front of a sold-out crowd at the iconic Ullevi Stadium in Stockholm, securing their place in Switzerland to defend the title they won in London in 2021. Notable was the splendid performance of Hannah Hampton, preferred over Mary Earps as the English goalkeeper in what was the only 0-0 draw of the evening.
A significant satisfaction for Ireland, already relegated, which secured one of the most memorable victories in its history against France. The Bluettes played an ordinary game with a largely reshuffled lineup compared to what will be seen at the Olympics. All the goals came in the second half. In front of over 18,000 spectators at Cork Park, Denise O’Sullivan put Ireland ahead in the 67th minute with a splendid long-range shot. Julie-Ann Russell followed up with a second goal. After a French goal by Vicki Becho at the end, a beautiful header by Anna Patten sealed the score at 3-1.
France and England qualified, while Sweden and Ireland (relegated to League B) moved to the playoffs.
Group 4
Germany, also expected at the Olympics, was coming off a defeat. However, they were cheered on by a crowd of 43,000 against Austria in Hanover. The German team responded with an excellent performance and four goals: Klara Bühl opened the scoring in the 11th minute on a cross from Jule Brand, who doubled the lead with a precise shot on a pass from Berger. In the second half, Lea Schüller scored her sixth goal, and Bühl, assisted again by Berger, closed the score with her second goal.
Iceland, already qualified, also won in Poland thanks to a goal by Jonsdottir, leaving the Polish national team with zero points, the only League A team to lose all six matches played so far.
Germany and Iceland qualified, while Austria and Poland (relegated to League B) moved to the playoffs.
League B and League C
In League B, which guaranteed 12 playoff spots, Azerbaijan and Slovakia secured the last two spots for the playoffs, despite a defeat confirming their relegation to League C. Scotland beat Serbia 1-0 (goal by Hanson of Aston Villa) to earn promotion in Group B2, while Switzerland, already assured of promotion to League A, finished on a high note with a decisive victory over Azerbaijan, including a goal by Juventus player Calligaris, with new Juventus acquisition Lehmann also featuring.
In Group B4, Wales won Kosovo 2-0 thanks to Jess Fishlock, who became Wales’ all-time top scorer, including men, with her 45th international goal.
In League C, which guaranteed only eight playoff spots, Luxembourg, Montenegro, and Georgia qualified with hopes of reaching the final phase of Euro 2025, joining Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Greece, and Slovenia, who won their groups and advanced to the next edition of the UEFA Nations League in League B.
Euro 2025, The Next Phase
This is a summary of the results from the first phase of group qualification. The playoff draws are scheduled for Friday, July 19th, in Nyon.
Qualified for Euro 2025: Switzerland (host nation), Denmark, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain.
League A playoffs: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Norway, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Sweden.
League B playoffs: Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, Wales.
League C playoffs: Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Greece, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Romania, Slovenia.
Relegated from League A: Czech Republic, Finland, Poland, Republic of Ireland.
Promoted from League B: Portugal, Scotland, Switzerland, Wales.
Relegated from League B: Azerbaijan, Israel, Kosovo, Malta, Slovakia.
Promoted from League C: Albania, Belarus, Greece, Romania, Slovenia.
