Wales’ history-making Euro 2025 campaign and the future of Welsh women’s football | OneFootball

As the final whistle blew on Wales’ Euro 2025 journey in Switzerland, it marked more than the end of the tournament. It was the conclusion of a chapter that was years in the making. The first time the national team had qualified for a major international tournament.Arriving as the lowest ranked side in Switzerland, 30th in the world, Wales knew they were underdogs. Drawn alongside two former European champions in England and the Netherlands, as well as semi-finalists France, the scale of the challenge could not have been greater.

While Wales exited without a win, qualifying alone was historic. They proved they belong on the biggest stage. More importantly, they are continuing to inspire generations and have laid the foundation for future success.

Major tournament learning curve

For years, the idea of Wales reaching a major tournament felt like a distant ambition. Yet this summer, Rhian Wilkinson’s side showed they could compete against the continent’s elite. Three defeats, 6-1 to England, 4-1 to France, and 3-0 to the Netherlands, showed the gulf at this level. As it still remained that Wales had never beaten a side ranked inside FIFA’s top 20, they showed they could compete for long spells against Europe’s giants.

This was shown through flashes of composure and quality, including Jess Fishlock’s historic first goal at a major tournament. The gap in pedigree and resources was obvious, yet the performances suggest the gulf is narrowing. If Euro 2025 taught Wales anything, it is that tournament football is unforgiving. Battle-tested national sides ruthlessly punish a lapse in concentration, slip in fitness or tactical mishap. This is where experience becomes invaluable. Wales learned first-hand the need for squad depth, adaptability to different opponents and the relentless mental resilience required across high pressure matches. Senior players like Fishlock and Sophie Ingle demonstrated leadership and knowledge of the game. Meanwhile, younger players took huge strides in their own personal journeys. Players will bank these lessons not just for future tournaments, but the entire trajectory of Welsh football.

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Wales Euro impact back home

Beyond results, perhaps the greatest victory was how they generated a wave of inspiration by their presence in the tournament. In Switzerland, the red shirts of Welsh fans filled the stands, creating a sense of belonging and visibility. Back home, TV coverage and social media sparked conversations that had rarely focused on women’s football before.

That impact is already measurable — football is now the most popular participation sport for girls in Wales. Backed by record investment from the Football Association of Wales (FAW), the country has seen a 45 percent rise in playing numbers in recent years.For young girls across Wales, watching their national team compete on the European stage was nothing short of a transformative moment. All of a sudden, football feels like an achievable dream. Wales’ story resonates far beyond football, helping to drive a wider cultural shift in how women’s sport is seen, valued and supported within Wales.

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Inspiration alone, however, is not enough. The challenge now is to convert this moment into lasting progress. In part, this responsibility now falls to the FAW who must invest in infrastructure, coaching pathways and facilities to ensure talent is nurtured and retained. Grassroots clubs are already reporting a surge in interest, backed by a £1 million FAW fund to improve facilities. While the future looks bright, Wilkinson’s immediate challenge is giving her players regular minutes at the highest level. Too many remain on the fringes of their clubs. Esther Morgan is without a team despite starting every game at Euro 2025. None of Wales’ three goalkeepers are first choice for their sides.

The next step for Wales

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The immediate focus shifts to a World Cup qualifying campaign. Wales will enter with a stronger belief in their ability to compete and with the invaluable knowledge of what it takes to perform under tournament pressure. Emerging talents will likely be given more responsibility, with senior players guiding them through the transition. Wales’ Euro 2025 campaign was a milestone, but not the destination. Wales proved they can stand shoulder to shoulder with Europe’s best, and in doing so, they lit a fire that could transform football in the nation. The challenge now is to ensure inspiration becomes opportunity, and opportunity becomes achievement. For the players, the fans and the next generation waiting to put on the red shirt, this summer’s story is just the beginning.

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