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Women's Euro 2025: When does it start, where is it, and who's playing?

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Euros 2025: what you need to know

Four groups, eight stadiums, 16 teams, 31 matches... football fans, get ready for Euro 2025.

The tournament is a huge deal in football, where teams across Europe compete with each other to be crowned the best.

With England looking to defend the title after winning Euro 2022 and Wales making their first appearance in an international tournament, it's set to be a big year for the home nations taking part.

Find out all about Euro 2025 below.

Where is Euro 2025 being held?

A map of the eight Swiss host cities of Euro 2025 dotted on an orange map, with labels of Geneva, Sion, Bern, Thun, Lucerne, Zurich, Basel and St Gallen.
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The host cities for Euro 2025 are all over Switzerland

Euro 2025 will take place in Switzerland, with games dotted all over the country.

Switzerland doesn't actually have an official capital city, but the largest city is Zurich, and the government is based in Bern - both of which will be hosting games during the tournament.

Euro 2025 kicks off in Thun, with the final held at St Jakob-Park in Basel.

The other Swiss host cities are Geneva, St Gallen, Lucerne, and Sion.

Who is playing in the tournament?

Some of the best teams in the world are competing, including Spain, Germany and England.

There's a lot on the line for England's Lionesses, who are in a tough group this year.

Despite being the reigning champions, they've had mixed performances in the Nations League and will have to deal with famous players missing from the squad.

Cymru, Wales women's national football team, make their Euros debut this year, with many fans - called the 'red wall' - travelling to Switzerland to cheer them on.

The Wales women's football team line up for their team photograph at a stadium.Image source, Getty Images
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Wales will have their hopes high for their first women's appearance at a Euros

Like the World Cup, the Euros are split into groups of four teams, which are drawn at random.

Teams will play other countries who are part of their group, earning three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The two teams with the most points will then advance to the quarter-finals.

The groups for Euro 2025 are:

Group A: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Finland

Group B: Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy

Group C: Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden

Group D: France, England, Wales, Netherlands

When does Euro 2025 start?

A commentator cheers and poses with Uefa Women's Euro 2025 mascot Maddli, a dog like mascot, in front of a stadium.Image source, Getty Images
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Official mascot Maddli will be cheering on from the sidelines

The first game of Euro 2025 is Iceland v Finland on Wednesday 2 July - it's the first time that the two nations have played against each other at a major tournament.

The month-long battle for the trophy ends with the final on Sunday 27 July, kicking off at 5pm UK time.

When are England and Wales playing?

The England national team listens to the national anthem before a football match, with young mascots in front of them.Image source, Getty Images
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Can England repeat the success of their last Euros?

Newsrounders, make sure you get these dates in your diary for the England and Wales games at Euro 2025.

Saturday 5 July: Wales v Netherlands and France v England.

Wednesday 9 July: England v Netherlands and France v Wales.

And then Sunday 13 July is the big one... where England and Wales will face each other in a home nations showdown in St Gallen at 8pm UK time.

It's a really tricky group stage - Netherlands and France are tough competition - so fans will be hoping that their teams manage to rise up to the challenge and make it through to the quarter finals.

Who are the stars of the tournament?

Spanish player Aitana Bonmati in red kit kicks the ball during a match.Image source, Getty Images
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All eyes will be on Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí

One of the biggest names at Euro 2025 is Aitana Bonmatí. The Spanish midfielder won the Ballon d'Or last year, which is the top footballing prize given to the best male and female players in the world.

Manager Sarina Wiegman has said she's 'very happy' with the England squad for Euro 2025. Despite not including Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and Millie Bright, it's full of other star names.

This includes Alessia Russo, who BBC Sport's Nesta McGregor says will be "England's main goal-scorer". As well as this, Lauren James will be returning from injury, with England hoping that she'll be back to full fitness.

The Wales squad has also been announced, including Cymru's record goal scorer and most capped player Jess Fishlock. Former captain Sophie Ingle also returns from injury to play in Euro 2025.