Ah, Switzerland – home to world-famous chocolate, cheese, clocks, and, in July 2025, the centre of European football. As we look ahead to the final of the UEFA Women’s European Championship, it’s already clear that this tournament has delivered some unforgettable moments on and off the pitch.
There was Poland’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Denmark – their first-ever points at a European Championship. England triumphed over Sweden in a penalty shootout that could only be described as dreadful, and Germany saw red in two consecutive matches before being dramatically knocked out by Spain in extra time during the semi-finals. And yet, it hasn’t just been the football that’s captivated fans. Across Switzerland’s host cities, the tournament experience has been nothing short of spectacular.
The eight stadiums across the country have each had their moment in the spotlight, and the atmosphere has been electric. Watching Sweden take on Germany at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich was a sensory delight – waves of chanting fans, a sea of colourful flags, and the ever-present scent of stadium food. (Although, I’ll admit, the free fruit pots from Lidl stands might have been the highlight – it’s not easy to find a good blueberry.)
But the magic hasn’t been limited to inside the stadiums. Each host city created fan zones that became buzzing hubs for locals and travelling supporters alike. Zurich’s fan zone, set in the Europaallee neighbourhood, was packed with food stalls, a bar, live entertainment, and even a CPR training van (for reasons still unclear). The centrepiece was a massive screen showing every match live – and yes, the toilets were far better than many I’ve encountered in English stadiums.
Every evening, fans gathered there to enjoy tacos, gyros, cold beers, and world-class football. Emotions ran high in the fan zone, just as they did in the stadiums. When Italy scored first against Spain in their final group-stage match, a gasp of shock rippled through the red-and-yellow-clad crowd – a sign of just how deeply the tournament had embedded itself in the city’s heart.
In contrast, St Gallen – a smaller town of under 80,000 – offered a different vibe. The fan zone was more modest, with fewer food options and, admittedly, less impressive toilets than Zurich’s pristine cabins. Still, the sense of community was palpable. Crowds gathered around the bar, and a local band delivered a lively performance that had fans on their feet.
Maybe the quieter scene could be attributed to the fact that I visited on a Sunday, when local activity was a little more subdued. But even so, the fan zone stood out as a real highlight – and I’m sure the thousands of England and Wales fans there that day would agree.
The Kybunpark stadium also didn’t disappoint. I was lucky enough to attend the England vs Wales match, and like every game in Switzerland this summer, the crowd was loud, passionate, and relentless in their support. All seven goals were met with thunderous cheers, and the stands became a sea of red and white – with nearly everyone toting the now-iconic clear Euros-branded bags, overflowing with merchandise from the fan shops.
If there was one slight letdown, it was the pre-match entertainment, which felt like an afterthought from the Swiss organisers. But honestly, it didn’t matter. The crowd’s roar for goals scored during warm-ups was enough to make you forget it wasn’t the main event yet. There was a shared energy and sense of anticipation in every stadium I visited.
Even beyond the official tournament spaces, it was obvious that something big was happening. Streets in host cities were decorated with colourful flags and displays celebrating the tournament. Statues of footballs and the adorable tournament mascot, Maddli the St Bernard puppy, were dotted across Zurich. Local shops sold limited-edition chocolates adorned with football motifs, the FIFA Museum hosted special tours spotlighting the history of women’s football, and St Gallen’s textile museum curated a fascinating exhibit on women’s football shirts.
As a visiting football fan, I found no shortage of things to explore. Football had been seamlessly woven into everyday Swiss life – ever-present but never overwhelming. The tournament enhanced, rather than distracted from, the beauty and character of the country. My time in Switzerland felt like a proper holiday, yet the sense of being part of something historic never left me.
Future tournament organisers should take note. Euro 2025 wasn’t just a football tournament – it was a celebration of sport, culture, and community. Every detail, from safety to inclusivity to simple fan enjoyment, felt thoughtfully planned and executed. It was an unforgettable summer, and a true gold standard for what international football can be.
