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| UEFA Women's Euro 2022 | |
|---|---|
| Tournament | UEFA Women's Euro 2022 |
| Country | England |
| Dates | 6–31 July 2022 |
| Num teams | 16 |
| Venues | 10 |
| Champion | England |
| Matches | 31 |
| Goals | 95 |
| Attendance | 574865 |
| Top scorer | Beth Mead |
| Player | Beth Mead |
| Prevseason | UEFA Women's Euro 2017 |
| Nextseason | UEFA Women's Euro 2025 |
UEFA Women's Euro 2022 was the 13th edition of the European Championship for women's national football teams organized by UEFA. Hosted in England from 6 to 31 July 2022, the tournament expanded from 12 to 16 teams and culminated in a first major senior title for the England women's team at Wembley Stadium. The competition featured established nations such as Germany, France, and Netherlands alongside emerging sides like Switzerland and Austria.
The decision to award hosting rights to England followed a UEFA bidding process that attracted proposals from multiple football associations including The Football Association, FAI, and joint bids from Republic of Ireland partners. England's selection referenced infrastructure investments linked to Wembley Stadium redevelopment and legacy plans tied to the FA WSL and grassroots initiatives such as the Women in Football movement. Host selection discussions involved UEFA Executive Committee members and referenced prior tournaments like UEFA Women's Euro 2017 and the men's UEFA Euro 2020 which influenced venue readiness.
Qualification involved 47 UEFA member associations competing through group stages and playoffs, with notable participants including Spain, Italy, and Belgium. The qualifying phase echoed formats used in competitions such as the FIFA Women's World Cup and incorporated national team programs from federations like Sweden and Norway. England qualified automatically as host; other automatic contenders in previous tournaments included Germany as multiple-time champions. The qualification produced first-time qualifiers such as Portugal and marked repeat appearances for nations like Denmark.
Matches were staged across venues including Wembley Stadium, Old Trafford, St James' Park, Etihad Stadium (used for training), Bramall Lane, Villa Park, and St Mary's Stadium. Stadium upgrades referenced operations by clubs like Manchester United F.C., Newcastle United F.C., and Aston Villa F.C.. Host cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Southampton, Sheffield, Newcastle upon Tyne, Leeds, and Rotherham delivered transport collaboration with operators including Network Rail and local authorities, while media coverage involved broadcasters like BBC Sport and ITV Sport.
The 16 teams were drawn into four groups of four during a draw event overseen by UEFA officials and former players from squads such as Germany (women), Norway (women) and Netherlands (women). The format mirrored systems used in UEFA European Championship finals with group stage round-robin play followed by knockout rounds: quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final. Seeding considered UEFA coefficients and recent performance in competitions including the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 and continental qualifiers.
Group A featured England facing opponents such as Austria, Norway, and Northern Ireland, producing high-profile matches at Wembley Stadium. Group B included teams like Germany, Denmark, Spain, and Finland. Group C comprised Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, and Czech Republic, while Group D saw Sweden contend with France, Belgium, and Italy. Key fixtures evoked rivalries involving clubs and players from institutions such as Arsenal W.F.C., Chelsea F.C. Women, FC Barcelona Femení, and national stars including Alexandra Popp, Wendie Renard, and Ada Hegerberg (note: some players were unavailable due to injury or selection decisions). Upsets and notable results advanced teams with strong tactical setups influenced by coaches from backgrounds including Sarina Wiegman and Jill Ellis-era methodologies.
The knockout phase featured quarter-finals where former champions Germany and hosts England progressed, leading to semi-finals that included Sweden and Netherlands among contenders. The England semi-final victory at Wembley Stadium set up a final against Germany; the final was decided in extra time and penalties, providing dramatic moments reminiscent of historic shoot-outs such as those in UEFA Euro 1996 and FIFA World Cup 2011 contexts. Tactics showcased pressing patterns developed in clubs like Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and Paris Saint-Germain Féminine.
Top goalscorer and player of the tournament honors were awarded to Beth Mead, whose goals and assists echoed club form at Arsenal W.F.C.. Other statistical leaders came from nations including Germany and Sweden, with clean sheets recorded by goalkeepers from England and France. Awards paralleled UEFA recognitions seen in tournaments such as UEFA Champions League and included a Team of the Tournament featuring players from Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Austria.
The tournament accelerated investment narratives involving The Football Association and club academies like Manchester City W.F.C. Academy and influenced broadcasting agreements with BBC Sport and DAZN. Legacy programs targeted participation at grassroots levels inspired by initiatives from Kick It Out and policy dialogues involving the UK Government and sports bodies. The success of the England team increased visibility for players in domestic competitions such as the FA WSL and prompted sponsorship interest from global brands that had previously partnered with events like the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.
Category:UEFA Women's Championship tournaments Category:2022 in women's association football