Finland's Women's National Football Team, known affectionately as Helmarit, are gearing up for their appearance at the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro Championship after securing their spot through the qualifiers. The draw conducted on Monday revealed their opponents, placing Finland in Group A alongside the host nation Switzerland, as well as Iceland and Norway.
The tournament is set to kick off on July 2nd, 2025, with Finland's first match against Iceland at the Arena Thun. They will then face Norway on July 6th at Stade de Tourbillon, before rounding off the group stage with the much-anticipated match against the host nation, Switzerland, on July 10th at the Stade de Genève.
The team's head coach, Marko Saloranta, expressed relief and excitement post-draw, stating, “If I could wish for any group after being drawn from the last pot, this would be it. It’s great to have the host nation in our group, and I am incredibly satisfied all around.” The sentiment reflects the general optimism surrounding the team after having avoided some of the heavier contenders.
The inclusion of Switzerland as the tournament's host is noteworthy. Although ranked lower by UEFA standards, their status as hosts brought them up to the top seed. This twist played heavily in Finland's favor during the group draw. Meanwhile, the Scandinavian rivals, Iceland and Norway, present both familiar and challenging competition, as they had previously faced Finland during qualifiers. Finland managed to secure only one draw against Norway and lost decisively to them during those games, making this upcoming match all the more significant.
Finland’s qualification was solidified after defeating Scotland 2-0 back in December during the second leg of the qualifying play-offs, underscoring their readiness to compete at the highest levels of European women's football. Saloranta make it clear how important it is for fans to rally behind the team during the tournament. He remarked on the relationship between the players and their supporters, urging as many fans as possible to travel to Switzerland. “July is perfect for summer vacations, and it’s not far for us,” he encouraged, adding, “Our fans need to know what their support means to us.”
To cater to fans, organizers confirmed specific ticket allocations for each of Finland's matches, allowing enthusiasts to partake actively. The general public ticket sales will commence on December 17, 2023, giving fans ample time to prepare and show their support for the Helmarit.
Meanwhile, preparations for the summer tournament are already underway, with specific emphasis on scouting the other teams and reviewing match strategies. Saloranta and team manager Outi Saarinen are currently scouting possible training facilities and accommodations to get the team well-prepared for the challenges to come.
More than just games, this tournament is expected to feature record prize money, which will include designated player rewards. This not only demonstrates the growing recognition of women's football but also raises the stakes for all participating teams. Helmarit’s spirit and skill shown so far serve as great momentum moving forward as they aim to leave their mark on the tournament.
Finland’s path to success will decidedly rest on how they adapt and face their opponents—as beliefs of challenge are common, yet with strategic preparation and dedicated fans, the Helmarit have the potential to turn the odds to their favor.
