Following their 2023 World Cup triumph, Spain head to Switzerland aiming to capture their first-ever European Championship title. La Roja dominated the qualification phase, securing victories in five of their six matches (with one draw) to top a group that included Denmark, Belgium, and the Czech Republic.
Spain’s immediate goal is to break their streak of quarter-final exits, having been knocked out at this stage in the last three European Championships, most recently falling to eventual champions England in extra time in 2022. Their first challenge is a tough group stage featuring Portugal, Belgium, and Italy, but Spain are buoyed by their recent strong performances.
Under coach Montse Tome, Spain earned a spot in the 2025 Nations League finals with five wins from six games, highlighted by commanding 4-2 and 7-1 victories over Portugal. They also staged a comeback to defeat Japan 3-1 in a friendly last Sunday, extending their winning streak to five matches as they approach Thursday’s opener.
Portugal, meanwhile, qualified through a Nations League-style process. After topping their League B group, they secured an 8-1 aggregate win over Azerbaijan in the playoff’s first round and then narrowly defeated the Czech Republic in the second round, with a 1-1 draw in Prague followed by a 2-1 victory, thanks to Diana Silva’s decisive brace.
Portugal are set to make their third appearance at the European Championship, hoping to advance past the group stage for the first time after early exits in 2017 and 2022. However, their recent Nations League campaign was challenging, finishing last in a group with Spain, England, and Belgium, resulting in relegation to League B. A goalless draw against Nigeria in a recent friendly extended their winless run to five games since a 1-0 victory over Belgium in February.
Spain face injury setbacks, with Arsenal’s Laia Codina and Real Madrid’s Teresa Abelleira sidelined. Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, recently recovered from viral meningitis, has rejoined the squad but is unlikely to feature in the opening match. Coach Tome may turn to Vicky Lopez to start alongside Patri Guijarro and Alexia Putellas in midfield.
Portugal, meanwhile, will miss veteran striker Carolina Mendes due to injury. Barcelona’s Kika Nazareth, still recovering from a March ankle injury, is included in the squad. Diana Silva, Portugal’s third-highest goalscorer of all time, is expected to lead the attack alongside Jessica Silva for Thursday’s match.
