Euro 2025: Spain On Track? Watch Out For France? What Stood Out and What's Next

Surprise results, record crowds, and the pivotal matches on the horizon. The 2025 UEFA Women’s Euros has already seen plenty of big moments.

With the group stage wrapped up, all eyes will be on the quarterfinal matches – which begin on Thursday and go through the weekend.

Before looking ahead, let's recap what stood out from the group stage. One title contender, the Netherlands, was eliminated after lopsided losses to both England and France. There was some heartbreak with Germany captain Giulia Gwinn suffering an early knee injury that will keep her out for the rest of the tournament. And some history, with a record 600,000 tickets already sold despite the heat wave that’s taken over Switzerland.

There’s more excitement to come, but here’s what stood out from the group stage and what we’re looking forward to in the next round:

Can Anyone Stop Spain From Silverware?

The biggest news entering the Euros was that Spain star and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí was hospitalized with meningitis less than a week before the tournament began. She recovered quickly, and was able to come on as a substitute in La Roja's first two matches before starting and playing a full 90 minutes in the team’s third group stage match against Italy.

Aitana Bonmati has only played one full match but Spain remains on track to reach the final. (Photo by Andrea Amato/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Whether Bonmatí would have needed more recovery time or not, it’s clear that Spain is a machine to be reckoned with and still looks like the favorite to win it all. Alexia Putellas has been dominant with three goals so far, as has Esther Gonzalez, the NWSL’s leading scorer who also leads all Euros scorers with four goals. As a whole, the team has