All set for the tournament opener in Thun!
Tomorrow, July 2, 2025, marks the highly anticipated kickoff of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025! And what a way to start: Iceland will face off against Finland in what promises to be a thrilling opening match. The game kicks off at 18:00 at Stockhorn Arena in the Swiss city of Thun. With both teams sitting at a similar level in the rankings, excitement is guaranteed. Especially considering they’re part of a highly competitive Group A, which also includes hosts Switzerland and a solid Norwegian side.
Let’s take a closer look at the teams
Iceland: power, pace, and determination
Coach Thorsteinn Halldórsson has assembled a well-balanced team that combines a strong defensive line with expressive, attacking football. Leading the back line is captain Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir, a key player for Bayern Munich. In goal, Cecilia Rán Rúnarsdóttir of Inter Milan has earned a reputation for clutch saves in high-pressure moments.
Up front, all eyes are on Sveindís Jónsdóttir, the Angel City FC striker known for her blistering speed, dribbling, and clinical finishing. Supporting her is the technically gifted Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir from Bayer Leverkusen. Coach Halldórsson favors tactical flexibility, often switching between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 setup – allowing Iceland to surprise their opponents with varied attacking schemes.
Finland: experience and balance
Finland is a team that knows how to shake things up – even if they’re not typically seen as heavy favorites. Under head coach Marko Saloranta, the team masterfully blends defensive solidity with quick, effective counterattacks. Anchoring the defense are Emma Koivisto and Natalia Kuikka of the Chicago Red Stars – the latter being one of the top defenders in the American NWSL.
Leading the attacking line is veteran striker Linda Sällström, Finland’s all-time top scorer. She’ll be joined by Jutta Rantala, returning from injury and hungry to make an impact. Finland usually lines up in a 4-4-2 formation, but they’re no strangers to adapting their tactics to match the flow of the game.
Favorites or surprise package?
FIFA rankings and bookmaker odds clearly favor Iceland in this encounter. Ranked 18th in the world, Iceland’s odds to win range from 1.75 to 1.83. Finland, by contrast, comes in at around 4.00. Still, it would be a mistake to underestimate the Finnish squad. With no prior senior-level matches between these two nations, it’s difficult to predict the outcome – making this an especially intriguing and unpredictable showdown.
Players to Watch – Who could make the difference?
Sveindís Jónsdóttir (Iceland)
Jónsdóttir is considered one of the breakout stars of this tournament. From her beginnings at Breiðablik in Iceland, to stints with Wolfsburg in Germany and now Angel City FC in the U.S., her club career shows she can thrive in any environment. Three goals and two assists during qualifying are just more reasons why fans and analysts are expecting big things from her.
Natalia Kuikka (Finland)
Finland’s answer may lie in Natalia Kuikka – a standout defender in the NWSL. A seasoned international and versatile player, she is the backbone of Finland’s defensive strategy. Recently named Finland’s Player of the Year, Kuikka’s form and leadership will be crucial if the Finns are to hold off Iceland’s attack.
Thun’s Stockhorn Arena – Intimate, but full of character
Iceland vs Finland will be played at the smallest venue of the Women’s EURO 2025 – the cozy Stockhorn Arena in Thun. Hosting fans since 2011 and seating around 8,000, the stadium is known for its vibrant and close-up atmosphere. A perfect setting for a tournament opener that brings the women’s game even closer to the fans.
Where to watch the match?
Fans in Poland can follow the action on TVP Sport and online via sport.tvp.pl. Broadcasts are also available in other countries, including:
- Iceland – RÚV
- Finland – Yle
- UK – ITV1 and ITVX
- USA – FOX Sports
A quick reminder of the tournament format
The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 features 16 teams split into four groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, following the classic quarterfinal–semifinal–final format.
In case of a tie on points in the group stage, the ranking is determined by:
- Head-to-head result
- Goal difference across all group matches
- Number of goals scored
In the knockout rounds, if a match ends in a draw, extra time will be played. If there’s still no winner – it’s down to penalties.
Ready for the action?
Tomorrow’s clash between Iceland and Finland marks the first chapter of what promises to be a thrilling EURO 2025. It may be the opening match, but both sides will be desperate to start strong and build early momentum. Fans, mark your calendars, get your jerseys and scarves ready – Europe’s biggest women’s football celebration is about to begin!
