Norway are no longer the heavyweights they have been in the women’s international game that they have been in the past, but amid muted expectations, they should still be able to navigate Group A and deliver a respectable result.
What to expect
Norway were once a powerhouse in the global and continental game, but other nations have caught up. That was illustrated in painful fashion at their last two major tournaments. At Euro 2022, Norway lost 8-0 to hosts and eventual champions England and a year later, at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, they scraped through the group to lose to Japan in the second round.
In Hamilton, New Zealand, Barcelona star Caroline Graham Hansen was benched for the World Cup match against Switzerland match and Hansen lashed out at the coaching staff after the goalless draw. Meanwhile, Ada Hegerberg limped off injured.
Euro 2025’s curtain raiser is a rematch of that tumultuous affair and Norway will be hoping for a more serene start to their campaign. Hegerberg has been promoted to the role of captain, but she is past her peak. Hansen has always underperformed in the national team shirt.
In a way, the women’s team mirror their male counterparts – a top heavy structure with big stars, both in midfield and attack, who often fail to replicate their club form. That was on show again in the recent Nations League with just two wins from six matches. They drew twice with Group A rivals Iceland.
At least, to the credit of manager Gemma Grainger, the spirit in the group is high. And the men recently defeated Italy 3-0. That should serve as an inspiration for Norway to get the best out of Hegerberg, Hansen, Guro Reiten and Frida Maanum. In defence, Guro Bergsvand will be missed after she withdrew with injury. They lost their final friendly 2-0 to neighbours Sweden.
Star Players
Ada Hegerberg (Olympique Lyon) – Women’s Champions League’s all-time leading goalscorer and a Ballon d’Or winner. A star back home and today Norway’s captain. Hegerberg (pictured) boycotted the national team for five years over the NFF’s attitude towards women’s football. Debuted for Norway in 2011.
Caroline Graham Hansen (FC Barcelona) – Always in the shadow of Hegerberg, but an artist in her own right. On the right at club level, but enjoys more of a free role for the national team. Accused of underperforming for Norway. A 2011 debutant as well.
Head Coach
A veteran manager, this is Gemma Grainger’s biggest role yet after managing Wales as well as Leeds United and Middlesborough at club level. Grainger nearly led Wales to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, but suffered heartbreak against Switzerland in the playoffs. She has sought to connect with Norwegians and the grassroots by frequently visiting girls’ clubs. At the national team, she has focused on building a harmonious culture. Hails from Middlesborough.
Schedule
July 2, 2025: vs Switzerland – St. Jakob-Park, Basel, 9 pm
July 6, 2025: vs Finland – Stade de Tourbillon, Sion, 6 pm
July 10, 2025: vs Iceland – Arena Thun, Thun, 9 pm