Just eight teams remain with glory and prestige on the line at the 2025 Women’s European Championships. The knockout rounds beckon, and in the quarterfinals, we’re being treated to some spectacular matchups, pitting continental heavyweights against one another for a spot in the last four. The first of four contests kicks off today at 3:00 p.m. EST, so make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting action.

Italy vs Norway

Norway topped a difficult Group A with three narrow wins over Switzerland, Finland, and Iceland. Forward Signe Gaupset made headlines on matchday three with two goals and two assists. Despite playing only 135 minutes in three games, she now leads her squad in goal contributions, ahead of Vilde Bøe Risa and Frida Maanum, who boast three and two goal contributions, respectively. This is a deep squad, loaded with talent, including the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, Ada Hegerberg, and they have every chance of making a deep run, but first, they’ll need to get through the Italians.

Despite losing to Spain 3-1 on matchday three, Italy qualified as Group B runners-up after Belgium upset Portugal 2-1, with the decisive goal coming in the 96th minute. The Italians impressed many in the opening fixtures, especially defensively, with just one goal against after facing Portugal and Belgium. However, they struggled on the other end of the pitch. Their three goals scored are the fewest of all eight quarterfinalists, and they were the only team to finish the group stage with a negative goal differential and advance to the knockout round. 

Sweden vs England

One of the knockout matchups that feels “too early” sees the mighty Swedes face off against the reigning European Champions, England. Sweden’s defense gave up just one goal in three games as they topped Group C. Jennifer Falk leads the tournament in save percentage with a staggering 88.9%, aided by a defense that gave up just three shots on target per game. Offensively, they’re more than potent, just look at their four goals against Germany on matchday three. Look for Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius to feature heavily on offense, adding to their six combined goal contributions thus far.

After losing 2-1 to France on the opening matchday, England knew they were fighting for second in arguably the toughest group at the tournament. They rebounded with a comprehensive 4-0 win over the Netherlands on matchday two before trouncing their neighbors, Wales, 6-1 to clinch a spot in the knockout round. The Lionesses will have their work cut out for them, but they’ve shown a resolve to come back after a tough loss. Spurred on by forward Alessia Russo and midfielder Ella Toone, both of whom have four goal contributions to their names, this England team is battle-hardened and ready for a win-or-go-home test.

Spain vs Switzerland

All four group winners finished the round with nine points, but none matched Spain’s dominant offensive masterclass. The defending world champions averaged 4.66 goals per game, finishing with 14 goals and a goal differential of +11, four better than the next best in Sweden and France. This team features two of the best players on the planet in Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, who have split the last four Ballon d’Or awards, alongside a supporting cast capable of starring on any other team. The list of players to watch is endless, but keep an eye out for Esther González, who is scoring or assisting a goal every 30 minutes on average.

The hosts have done their country proud by advancing to the quarterfinals, but they’ll need an almighty showing to upset Spain. The Swiss narrowly advanced over Finland thanks to a one-goal advantage on goal difference, but in front of their home crowd, they’ll undoubtedly have the support to make some magic happen. In attack, Géraldine Reuteler leads her team with a goal and an assist, while goalkeeper Livia Peng’s 75% save percentage is the third-best at the tournament. More players will need to step up if they want their European Championships experience to live on.

France vs Germany

Last but most certainly not least is a battle of two juggernauts in the European game. The French advanced with an unblemished record in Group D and a forceful squad, heavily reliant on speed and line-breaking runs. Forwards Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Delphine Cascarino both recorded a pair of goals and assists during the opening round, while a further seven players found the net at least once. This is a team with many different options, none of which are afraid to step up when their number is called. There are potentially some questions defensively, but if there is any team that can win a high-scoring shootout, it’s France.

Germany has a point to prove after their significant loss to Sweden on matchday three. The defeat cost them the top spot in Group C, though some would argue that facing France is not much worse than facing England. The Germans are young, with an average age of 25.7, and that comes with some inexperience. They’ll need to rely on their veterans for support while allowing the youth to succeed. 22-year-old forward Jule Brand currently leads her side with two goals and two assists, and they’ll need her to be deadly in attack against France if they want to advance. For a nation as historically dominant as Germany, two consecutive losses and a quarterfinals exit would be disastrous.