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UEFA Women's Championship

The UEFA Women's Championship, commonly called the Women's Euro or UEFA Women's EURO, is the principal international football tournament for women's national teams in UEFA.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The UEFA Women's Championship, commonly called the Women's Euro or UEFA Women's EURO, is the principal international football tournament for women's national teams in UEFA. First held in 1984, it takes place every four years and crowns the European champions. England are the reigning champions after winning the 2025 final and successfully defending their 2022 title.

History

The tournament began in 1984 and developed into UEFA's premier competition for women's national teams. Over time, the finals expanded and became a major event in European women's football.

Format

The modern finals tournament has featured 16 teams, divided into groups before a knockout stage. Qualification is held separately from the finals and determines the teams that reach the tournament.

Recent tournaments

The 2025 edition was staged in Switzerland from 2 to 27 July and ended with England defeating Spain on penalties in Basel. It was the 14th edition of the competition.

Champions and records

England are the current holders after retaining the title in 2025. UEFA describes the competition as the main continental championship for women's national teams in Europe.

Key facts

  • It is the main competition in women's association football for UEFA national teams.
  • The tournament was first staged in 1984.
  • It is normally held every four years, often one year after the men's European Championship.
  • The 2025 edition featured 16 teams and was hosted by Switzerland, with the final in Basel.
  • England won both the 2022 and 2025 editions, becoming back-to-back champions.
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Canadian context

The tournament is relevant to Canadian readers because it is one of the major international competitions in women's football, a sport with a growing audience in Canada. Canadian national teams and players often follow UEFA competition for international benchmarking and media coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Women's Euro?
It is UEFA's main championship for women's national football teams in Europe.
When was the tournament first held?
The first UEFA Women's Championship was held in 1984.
How often is it held?
It is held every four years.
Who won the most recent Women's Euro?
England won the 2025 final and retained the title they had also won in 2022.
How many teams played in the 2025 finals?
The 2025 finals featured 16 teams.
Where was the 2025 final played?
The 2025 final was played at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Women's_Championship
    Supports: Name, first held in 1984, competition description, frequency, and current champions.
  2. UEFAhttps://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/0283-1883bd6fea6b-0b8618e0d03e-1000--uefa-women-s-euro-2025-all-you-need-to-know/
    Supports: 2025 hosts, dates, 16-team finals format, venues, and tournament details.
  3. UEFAhttps://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/0288-199924f77c1f-b767cd925cf2-1000--women-s-euro-2025-in-switzerland-match-schedule-all-the-re/
    Supports: 2025 match schedule, dates, venue count, and final location.
  4. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Women's_Euro_2025_final
    Supports: 2025 final result: England beat Spain on penalties.
  5. UEFAhttps://www.uefa.com/womensnationsleague/news/02a2-1fda09d464bd-38334f35f773-1000--women-s-euro-2029-all-you-need-to-know/
    Supports: Germany selected to host the 2029 edition and tournament direction after 2025.