What a Week in Women’s Footy: Goals, Stars, and Big Announcements

Matchday 1 of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 brought fireworks — and a few surprises. Spain steamrolled Portugal, France stunned reigning champs England, and the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway all came out strong.

Off the pitch, rising star Sydney Schertenleib is making waves at Barcelona, with the Swiss teen quickly becoming one of the most talked-about players in Europe. And stateside, the NWSL dropped its 2026 schedule framework, marking a new era for the expanding 16-team league. Let’s dive into everything you might’ve missed this week.

• Euros: Spain vs Portugal (5-0)

• Euros: France vs England (2-1)

• Euros: Norway vs Finland (2-1)

• Euros: Germany vs Poland (2-0)

• Euros: Wales vs Netherlands (0-3)

• News: Barca’s Sydney Schertenleib Signed By Insta DM

• News: NWSL release 2026 season schedule framework

Spain vs
Portugal (5-0)

Spain opened their EURO 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, cruising to a 5-0 win over Portugal behind a four-goal first half. Esther González opened the scoring just 87 seconds in, becoming Spain’s oldest-ever EURO player and finishing with a brace. Teenager Vicky López doubled the lead minutes later, while Alexia Putellas and González added two more before halftime. Substitute Cristina Martín-Prieto capped the night with a stoppage-time header.

La Roja looked every bit the reigning world champions, controlling play and finishing clinically. Portugal regrouped in the second half, tightening defensively, but the damage was already done. Player of the Match Alexia Putellas led a polished Spanish display, while Portugal now turns its attention to a must-win game against Italy.

France vs
England (2-1)

France defeated defending champions England 2-1 in their EURO 2025 Group D opener, with first-half goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore sealing the win. Despite England's early pressure and a lively start from Lauren James, France took control through the pace and precision of Delphine Cascarino, who set up Katoto’s opener before Baltimore doubled the lead just minutes later. Keira Walsh pulled one back late for England, but a flurry of late chances wasn’t enough to save the Lionesses from their first-ever opening loss as reigning EURO champions.

Player of the Match Cascarino led a composed French performance that balanced youth with sharp execution. England pushed hard in the final minutes, with Michelle Agyemang nearly equalizing, but France’s defensive resilience held firm. The result ends Sarina Wiegman’s perfect EURO record as a coach and puts added pressure on England ahead of a crucial clash with the Netherlands. France, meanwhile, extended their perfect 2025 run to nine wins from nine.

Norway vs
Finland (2-1)

Norway edged Finland 2-1 in a dramatic EURO 2025 Group A clash, with Caroline Graham Hansen sealing the win in the 84th minute via a looping cross-turned-shot that bounced in off the post. Norway had taken an early lead in the 3rd minute when Graham Hansen’s skillful wing play forced an own goal from Finland’s Eva Nystrom, but Finland responded with a well-taken equalizer by Oona Sevenius in the 32nd minute.

Finland impressed with tidy possession and aggressive pressing, dominating stretches of the second half and nearly taking the lead with multiple chances, including shots that hit the post. However, Norway’s star power prevailed late, lifting them to six points and the top of Group A.

Germany vs
Poland (2-0)

Germany opened their EURO 2025 campaign with a 2-0 win over debutants Poland, thanks to standout performances from Jule Brand and Lea Schüller. After a tense first half in which Poland held firm, Brand broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range strike early in the second half, before assisting Schüller for a well-placed header. Despite late pressure from Poland, including a close-range effort by captain Ewa Pajor, Germany's experience and quality proved decisive.

Poland impressed in their tournament debut, showing defensive discipline and flashes of attacking promise, but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Germany head coach Christian Wück, who had high expectations for his squad going into the tournament, acknowledged the challenge, while Brand — named Player of the Match — emphasized there's room to improve. The result marked Germany's 50th group-stage goal at the EUROs and extended their unbeaten run in opening group matches, reinforcing their reputation as perennial contenders.

Wales vs
Netherlands (0-3)

The Netherlands opened their UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 campaign with a confident 3-0 win over Wales, led by Vivianne Miedema’s milestone 100th international goal. After a dominant first half, Miedema struck just before the break, followed by second-half goals from Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts. The Dutch hit the woodwork three times and controlled the match throughout, showing depth and sharpness.

While Wales struggled to contain the Dutch attack, manager Rhian Wilkinson and players like Jess Fishlock saw the loss as a valuable learning experience. Miedema, named Player of the Match, extended her record as the Netherlands’ top scorer at the EUROs, and the win kept their unbeaten group-stage streak at seven games.

EURO 2025 Matchday 1: The Recap You
Actually Have Time For

The opening round of the Women’s EURO 2025 group stage had it all: goals, upsets, heartbreaks, and historic moments. If you missed the action, don’t worry — here’s your fun-sized rundown of all eight games from the first matchday.

🚨 The Blowouts

* Spain 5, Portugal 0: Spain came in hot and never cooled down. Esther González opened the scoring just 2 minutes in and added another before halftime. Teen star Vicky López, legend Alexia Putellas, and sub Cristina Martín-Prieto joined the party too. Portugal had no answers and now must face an improving Italy next.

* Netherlands 3, Wales 0: Wales made their tournament debut, but it was Dutch star Vivianne Miedema who stole the spotlight with her 100th international goal. The Oranje dominated, while Wales — led by veteran Jess Fishlock — couldn’t keep pace.

* Germany 2, Poland 0: Jule Brand was on fire, scoring one and assisting another for Germany. They cruised past Poland, though they’ll now have to do it without injured captain Giulia Gwinn.

😲 The Surprises

* France 2, England 1: The defending champs were stunned by a ruthless French side. Katoto and Baltimore scored in a lightning-fast double punch, and even a late Keira Walsh goal couldn’t rescue the Lionesses.

* Finland 1, Iceland 0: Finland flipped the script with a composed performance. After Iceland went down to 10 players, Katariina Kosola’s second-half strike sealed the upset.

🔮 The Predictables

* Sweden 1, Denmark 0: Sweden did what they were supposed to do. Filippa Angeldahl was everywhere and scored the lone goal to get them past a solid Denmark side.

* Italy 1, Belgium 0: Italy continued their quiet rise in the women’s game. Arianna Caruso’s first-half goal made the difference in an otherwise tight match.

😞 The Bummers

* Norway 2, Switzerland 1: The hosts got off to a dream start with an early goal but couldn’t hang on. Norway equalized through Ada Hegerberg (her 50th!) and won it with a Swiss own-goal. A rough one for the home crowd.

So far, Spain and Norway look strong, France made a statement, and England suddenly has work to do.

Pus, see all the stunning golazos from matchday 1.

Sydney Schertenleib:
Barca’s Next Star

At just 18, Swiss midfielder Sydney Schertenleib is already turning heads in European football. After a breakout performance at the 2023 U17 Euros and a wonder goal in her Champions League debut for Barcelona — just minutes after subbing on for Alexia Putellas — Schertenleib has quickly gone from youth standout to one of Barça’s most exciting young prospects. Originally scouted while still 16, she impressed with her physicality, technique, and presence. With no agent at the time, Barcelona reached out via Instagram to start the conversation, and soon after, she signed on to their B team — though it didn’t take long for her to be promoted to the first team.

Her journey hasn’t been flawless. She’s made mistakes, like a costly turnover in a game against Real Betis that left her in tears, but her talent is undeniable. Barça coaches believe her future lies as an attacking midfielder rather than a deep-lying one, citing her vision, movement, and ability to get into scoring positions. While she’s still fighting for consistent minutes in a stacked Barcelona midfield, her maturity and skill suggest she’s a star in the making — and with Switzerland hosting EURO 2025, the stage is set for Schertenleib to break out on the international level too.

NWSL Release 2026
Schedule Framework

🚨 NWSL 2026: Everything You Need to Know (With Key Dates!)
The NWSL is leveling up for 2026! With Boston Legacy FC and Denver NWSL joining the league, the competition expands to 16 teams and 248 total matches, including the Challenge Cup, regular season, and playoffs. Here’s a fun, easy-to-read breakdown of what’s coming — and when.

📅 Key Dates You’ll Want to Bookmark

• February 20 – 🔥 Kickoff!
  The 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup (presented by e.l.f.) opens the season with a clash between the reigning NWSL Champion and Shield winner, streaming live on Prime Video.

• March 13 – Regular Season Begins
  A 30-match season per team spread across 27 weeks, carefully scheduled around FIFA windows. That means no conflicts with international duty!

• June 1–28 – NWSL Break (No Games!)
  The league pauses for a CBA-mandated break and to avoid scheduling chaos during the Men’s FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico (with 7 NWSL markets involved!).

• October 30–November 1 – Decision Day Weekend
  Final matches of the regular season. Postseason spots are on the line!

• November 6–8 – Quarterfinal Playoff Round
  The top eight teams battle it out in the opening round of the playoffs.

• November 13–15 – Semifinals
  Four teams left, two spots in the final up for grabs.

• November 21 – NWSL Championship
  The 2026 title match, presented by Google Pixel, airs in primetime on CBS and streams on Paramount+.

📺 Where to Watch

• National Coverage: CBS Sports, ESPN, ION, Prime Video

• Streaming Platform: NWSL+ (for all other matches not nationally televised)

• Playoffs Breakdown:

  • Quarterfinals: ESPN/ABC (2), CBS/Paramount+ (1), Prime Video (1)

  • Semifinals: One each on ESPN/ABC and CBS/Paramount+

  • Championship: CBS + Paramount+ (Primetime slot)

With smart scheduling to accommodate the World Cup and expanded media coverage, 2026 is shaping up to be the NWSL’s biggest season yet. And it all starts with a bang on February 20, 2025.