What the Euros and Africa Cup of Nations taught us about this moment in women’s soccer

England secured their second consecutive UEFA Women's Euros title by defeating reigning World Cup champion Spain in a penalty kick shootout on Sunday. Simultaneously, Nigeria captured their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title after rallying from a two-goal deficit to score three second-half goals in the final.

The UEFA Women's Euros 2025 in Switzerland was a major success, setting a new tournament attendance record exceeding 657,000 spectators. Twenty-nine out of 31 matches were sold out. Viewership in the United States, where games were broadcast on FOX, nearly doubled compared to the 2022 tournament.

Players from the American NWSL league featured prominently in both tournaments. Gotham FC's Esther González won the Euros Golden Boot with four goals. Gotham's Jess Carter played a full 90 minutes and made key defensive stops for England in the final, alongside NWSL players Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit) and Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride). Eight NWSL players participated in the Africa Cup of Nations, including Nigeria's Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), who came on as a substitute in the final.

NCAA college soccer was well-represented at the Euros, particularly through England. Head coach Sarina Wiegman and players Alessia Russo, Lucy Bronze, and Lotte Wubben-Moy all played for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. Wiegman secured her third Euro title, having previously won with the Netherlands in 2017.

While the USWNT wasn't competing, prominent figures associated with the team actively supported the Euros. Head coach Emma Hayes praised the finalists on social media. Players Catarina Macario and Alex Morgan attended matches, and former player Carli Lloyd provided analysis for FOX Sports alongside Ariane Hingst, Alexi Lalas, and Stu Holden.

The USWNT announced friendlies against Portugal in October. Portugal, ranked 22nd in FIFA, drew 1-1 with semifinalist Italy in the Euros group stage. Looking ahead to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, the article identifies Spain (No. 2), Germany (No. 3), England (No. 5), and surging Italy as key European competition for the top-ranked USWNT.