Portugal arrive in Switzerland with a dream bigger than ever: to finally escape the group stage at a major tournament. What to Expect
Having reached the 2017 and 2022 editions of the Euros and debuted at the 2023 World Cup, this is no longer a team content with mere qualification. But ambition meets harsh reality in Group B, where the Navigators face reigning world champions Spain, tournament-tested Italy, and rising force Belgium.
Their opener against Spain on July 3 could prove telling. In their last encounter just months ago, Portugal suffered a bruising 7-1 defeat. That result – part of a brutal four-match losing streak in the Nations League – has cast a shadow over preparations. Yet with most of their squad returning to fitness and the expectation of being well-supported in Switzerland, the stage is set for what they hope will be a defining breakthrough.
Portugal’s unbeaten qualifying campaign built confidence, but the Nations League campaign quickly deflated it. After promising early results – drawing against England and beating Belgium – they suffered four consecutive losses, including the aforementioned 7-1 defeat to Spain and a 6-0 thrashing by England. Confidence has been dented, but a full-strength squad could steady the ship.
Star Players
Kika Nazareth, Diana Silva
At just 22, Kika Nazareth is already a national icon. The Barcelona midfielder is the face of Portugal’s new generation: confident, creative, and commercially relevant. A serious injury in March nearly ruled her out, but she has made the Euro 2025 squad, and even at partial fitness, her presence lifts those around her.
The stats check out: she was in the 99th percentile amongst midfielders for chances created and the 97th percentile for goals scored per 90 in Liga F last term for FC Barcelona, showing the level of quality she can bring.
Her absence was felt in that four-game losing streak which left a dent in her side’s confidence – though her return should inject belief back into a squad capable of causing an upset or two.
Depending on Nazareth’s fitness, it may depend on 30-year-old Diana Silva to lift the team out of the group stages. The sharp-shooting Sporting striker was in form before the squad’s downturn and remains a key source of goals in Neto’s two-striker formation.
Coach
Francisco Neto
Now 43, Francisco Neto has been the architect of Portugal’s rise since 2014. When he took over, the national team was ranked 43rd in the world. Today, they sit 22nd and are fixtures on the major tournament stage. Neto has overseen historic progress, both on the pitch and in the growth of the sport at home. But with a drop in results and questions around the squad’s direction, this summer could define whether he remains the right man to carry the project forward.
FIFA Ranking: 22
Fixtures:
July 3, 2025: vs Spain – Wankdorfstadion, Bern, 9 pm
July 7, 2025: vs Italy – Arena Thun, Thun, 9 pm
July 11, 2025: vs Spain – Stade Tourbillon, Sion, 9 pm