The UEFA Women's Nations League continues today, April 4, 2025, with several pivotal Matchday 3 fixtures. These matches are crucial for teams aiming to secure top positions in their respective groups and advance in the competition.
Key Matchups:
Portugal vs. Spain: Spain's national team, La Roja, faces a critical encounter against Portugal. After a disappointing loss to England, Spain finds itself in third place in Group A3. The team, led by coach Montse Tomé, is under pressure to secure a victory to remain in contention for the Final Four. Portugal, an emerging force in women's football, currently holds a better position in the group, having defeated Belgium and drawn with England. Despite missing key players like Kika Nazareth and Jessica Silva, Portugal boasts talent such as Tatiana Pinto (Atlético Madrid) and Diana Gomes (Sevilla). Spain welcomes back influential figures like Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, from Barcelona but will miss Ona Batlle due to injury.
England vs. Belgium: The Lionesses are set to host Belgium. England's captain, Leah Williamson, has highlighted the impressive form of striker Alessia Russo, who has netted 14 goals in her last 21 appearances for Arsenal and England. However, the team will be without Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly for this fixture due to minor injuries, though they may return for the subsequent match. Head coach Sarina Wiegman remains focused on securing victories while also preparing the squad for the upcoming European Championship in July, where the Lionesses will defend their victory from 2022.
Other Notable Fixtures:
The United Kingdom is set to host the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup after being the only nation to submit a valid bid by the official deadline. This joint bid involves England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed this development during the UEFA Congress, noting that no other countries, including previously interested Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, proceeded with their submissions. The UK must now submit a compliant bid by the end of the year to secure the hosting rights. This will be the first World Cup hosted in the UK since 1966 and is expected to significantly boost women's football.
FIFA also plans to expand the Women's World Cup from 32 to 48 teams by 2031, reflecting the growing global interest in women's football. England's recent success, reaching the 2023 final, adds to the momentum. English FA CEO Mark Bullingham expressed honor and excitement at the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of developing a strong bid. Wembley Stadium in London is anticipated to host the final, with other major venues like Glasgow's Hampden Park and a proposed 100,000-seat stadium in Manchester also under consideration.
Katie McCabe, the captain of the Ireland women's national football team, recently returned to her childhood football club, Kilnamanagh, to spend time with young players. She visited the Under-9s team and led them through a shooting drill, sharing her skills and experience. The visit was very special because Kilnamanagh is where McCabe first started playing football. The young players were excited to meet her, and she encouraged them to work hard and enjoy the game. After the session, she took photos with the kids and signed autographs, making the day unforgettable for them.
McCabe’s visit happened just before she joined the Ireland national squad for their UEFA Nations League matches against Greece. She is an important player for Ireland and always looks for ways to inspire the next generation of footballers. Her journey from Kilnamanagh to the highest level of women’s football shows that with hard work and dedication, young players can achieve their dreams. By returning to her roots, she reminded everyone of the importance of community and giving back to those who supported her early in her caree
Marc Skinner has extended his role as head coach of Manchester United Women until June 2027, with an option for an additional year. Since joining in 2021, Skinner led the team to their first major trophy, the Women's FA Cup, and achieved their highest league finish, second place in the Women's Super League, in 2023. Currently, the team is third in the WSL behind Arsenal and Chelsea and preparing for an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.
Skinner expressed his excitement about continuing with the club, aiming to build a young, competitive team. Manchester United's technical director, Jason Wilcox, praised Skinner's performance and the squad's potential for future success.
Stroot, who led the team to significant successes, including national championships and cup victories, decided to step down after a challenging season. His departure leaves Wolfsburg searching for a new coach to guide the team forward. Stroot expressed gratitude for his time at the club and highlighted the strong bond he shared with the players and staff during his tenure1.
Under Stroot’s leadership, Wolfsburg maintained its position as one of Europe’s top women’s football teams. However, recent results and increased competition have added pressure to the club. The search for a new coach will be crucial in maintaining Wolfsburg's high standards and continuing their success in domestic and international competitions1
Sydney FC captain Natalie Tobin, aged 28, is proactively addressing her reproductive health by exploring fertility options. After discontinuing contraception, she experienced a 10-month absence of menstruation, likely due to high exercise volumes associated with her athletic career. To better understand and manage her fertility, Tobin is participating in Sydney FC's partnership with WHEN Fertility, which provides at-home fertility testing and education to both male and female club members.
Although Tobin and her husband, Will Fiedler, do not plan to have children immediately, she emphasizes the importance of preparation for future family planning. She acknowledges the evolving perception of athletes returning to sports post-pregnancy and aims to ensure she can have children when the time is right. Tobin's proactive approach highlights the growing awareness and importance of reproductive planning among athletes.
Kanizat Ibrahim, the first female Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has significantly advanced women's football in Africa. Under her leadership, CAF introduced key competitions like the CAF Women's Champions League and launched development programs such as the GIFT initiative for U-17 female players. These efforts have led to increased recognition, with 47 out of 54 African federations now having senior women's teams and 49 hosting women's first-division competitions.
Despite these advancements, Ibrahim acknowledges ongoing challenges, particularly in changing perceptions about women's football and improving infrastructure and funding. She emphasizes the importance of viewing the sport as a professional opportunity for women to build careers and support their families. Her vision includes fostering a supportive environment where young African girls can aspire to roles as players, coaches, or administrators in football.
Millie Bright, a defender for Chelsea and England, emphasizes the transformative power of football in fostering community and personal growth. She highlights the importance of grassroots initiatives, such as the Football Foundation's Lionesses Futures Fund, which has funded 30 new 3G pitches dedicated to women's and girls' football. Bright believes these facilities provide safe spaces for individuals to connect, find support, and build confidence, underscoring football's role beyond just the sport.
She also expresses pride in her teammate, Lucy Bronze, for openly discussing her diagnosis of ADHD and autism. Bright commends Bronze's courage in sharing her story, recognizing that such openness can inspire others and promote understanding of neurodiverse conditions within the sporting community. This acknowledgment reflects Bright's broader commitment to inclusivity and support within football.
