Scorching Start to UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Puts Players and Fans to the Test
Switzerland, known for its snowy peaks and alpine serenity, has transformed into a furnace just in time for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. As the tournament kicks off, players, fans, and organizers are grappling with one overriding question: how do you play top-level football when the temperature climbs above 35°C?
With a heatwave sweeping across Europe, conditions in Swiss cities like Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne are about 10°C hotter than usual. UEFA has issued official heat warnings for the first several match days, prompting emergency measures. Giant pitch-side fans are now in place to keep grass from burning, and supporters are being urged to stay in the shade and stay hydrated. For the first time, fans can bring water bottles—up to half a liter—into the stadiums and refill them inside. It’s a small but vital step for safety.
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On the field, players are facing the brutal reality of the heat. UEFA will use wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) thermometers to measure not just temperature, but also humidity and sun exposure. If readings exceed 32°C, mandatory cooling breaks will be introduced mid-match. But according to the global players' union FIFPRO, more must be done. They’ve called for cooling breaks every 15 minutes and extended half-time intervals to allow players' bodies to cool down adequately.
Despite the conditions, teams are refusing to let the heat be an excuse. Wales players like Gemma Evans and Rachel Rowe emphasized that they’ve prepared thoroughly, even holding a pre-tournament camp in hot-weather Portugal. England’s Beth Mead echoed the sentiment, crediting the team’s support staff and intense recent training for building resilience. The Lionesses are determined to defend their title and are relying on data-driven recovery strategies and player rotations to handle the pressure.
However, concerns remain. The heat is affecting not just the women’s game—this is part of a broader trend that’s been seen in men’s tournaments as well. From the Club World Cup in the US to the 1994 World Cup and beyond, extreme temperatures are becoming a recurring issue. With climate change pushing European summers to new highs, football is at a crossroads.
This tournament could serve as a dress rehearsal for more extreme scenarios ahead, including the 2026 Men's World Cup in North America. While indoor and air-conditioned stadiums are a potential solution for the future, most current venues aren't built that way. So for now, mitigation is the name of the game.
As Switzerland heats up, so does the competition. With Iceland and Finland opening the tournament and Switzerland facing Norway in Basel, the action is just beginning. But one thing’s for sure—Euro 2025 won’t just be remembered for the goals, but also for how the beautiful game battled the heat.
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