Drawn into a balanced but unforgiving group alongside Iceland, Norway and hosts Switzerland, Finland know progression to the knockout stages will require a near-flawless group campaign.
What to Expect
They booked their ticket to Switzerland by dispatching Scotland in a confident playoff performance, but since then, injury setbacks and inconsistent form have tempered rising hopes.
Still, under head coach Marko Saloranta, Finland have evolved tactically and technically. Their well-drilled possession play, diamond midfield, and relentless full-back runs make them an unpredictable and awkward opponent.
Finland looked solid if untested in Nations League B, but reality hit when they lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in their final pre-tournament friendly. It was a respectable result, but one that underlined their struggle to impose themselves against top-tier opponents. Fitness has been a major theme: multiple key players have spent long spells on the sidelines, disrupting chemistry and consistency in the build-up to Switzerland.
Key Player
Natalia Kuikka
The heartbeat of Finland’s defence and a symbol of the nation’s footballing progress, Natalia Kuikka is closing in on 100 caps. Cool, quick, and physically dominant, she’s a five-time Finnish Player of the Year and the first Finn to win the NWSL Championship (with Portland Thorns in 2022). Having also won the NCAA title with Florida State, Kuikka brings elite-level experience and calm leadership. If she is fully fit, Finland will have a fighting chance of springing a surprise or two.
Kuikka is returning from an injury list that has already limited the squad’s preparations. Jetta Rantala features in the squad but has not played since October, so her role may be more limited than coach Saloranta would have wanted.
Elli Pikkujämsä will not fly with the squad to Switzerland, ruled out by a serious knee injury.
Coach
Marko Saloranta
A central figure in the development of Finnish women’s football for two decades, Saloranta took the reins of the senior team with both vision and emotional investment. His leadership helped usher the U17 team to historic appearances at the 2018 Euros and 2019 World Cup.
Now 53, he has guided the senior side back to the European stage, though at personal cost – admitting that the demands of the job contributed to a recent divorce. Passionate, measured, and dedicated, Saloranta faces perhaps his biggest test yet in Switzerland.
FIFA Ranking: 26
Fixtures:
July 2, 2025: vs Iceland – Stockhorn Arena, Thun, 6pm
July 6, 2025: vs Norway – Stade de Tourbillon, Sion, 6pm
July 10, 2025: vs Switzerland – Stade de Geneve, Geneva, 9pm
Contact the writer of this story, harry Ewing, at moc.l1751500950labto1751500950ofdlr1751500950owedi1751500950sni@g1751500950niwe.1751500950yrrah1751500950