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Sunday 22/02/2026

Euro 2025: Record-Breaking Attendance and Economic Boost as England Faces Spain in Historic Final

Fans from 160 nationalities at women's Euro 2025 final in Swiss stadium
Alex CarterAlex Carter

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Euro 2025 has set a new attendance record with over 650,000 fans, surpassing the previous record set in England in 2022.
  • The final between England and Spain is expected to be the most-watched women's football match in UK history, with a peak audience potentially exceeding 14.8 million.
  • The tournament has generated an estimated £800 million boost for UK supermarkets, pubs, and retailers, with significant consumer spending on food and drink.
  • Switzerland has successfully hosted the event, creating a carnival atmosphere with sustainable initiatives and fan engagement activities.
  • The popularity of women's football continues to rise, with diverse international fan participation and increased media coverage.

As Euro 2025 draws to a close, the tournament has not only captivated football fans worldwide but also set new records and economic benchmarks. The final showdown between England and Spain in Basel promises to be a historic event, potentially becoming the most-watched women's football match in UK history.

Record Attendance and Fan Engagement

Euro 2025 has shattered previous attendance records, with over 650,000 fans attending matches across Switzerland. This achievement is particularly notable given the country's smaller stadium capacities compared to previous hosts like England. The tournament's success is attributed to the vibrant atmosphere created by fans from 160 nationalities, who have embraced the picturesque Swiss settings and engaged in lively pre-match fan walks.

UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister highlighted the tournament's impact, stating, "This has been a breakthrough tournament for UEFA and all participating nations." The event's success is further underscored by Switzerland's commitment to sustainability, offering free public transport for ticket holders and training over 10,000 visitors in CPR.

Economic Impact in the UK

The tournament has also provided a significant economic boost, with UK consumer spending during Euro 2025 estimated at over £800 million. Supermarkets, pubs, and retailers have benefited from the surge in demand, with nearly £100 million spent on food and drink alone. Tesco anticipates a 15% increase in sales of Euros-related products, while Asda expects to sell over 6 million pints and 300,000 pizzas over the weekend.

The final, airing on both ITV and the BBC, is expected to draw a peak audience surpassing the 14.8 million who watched England's World Cup loss to Spain in 2023. With a family-friendly 5 pm kick-off, the match is set to attract a diverse viewership, with women and girls accounting for 53% of the audience.

A Celebration of Women's Football

The rise in popularity of women's football is evident not only in attendance and viewership but also in the cultural impact of the tournament. Fans have embraced playful rivalries with food-themed signs and celebrated the sport's growth with messages like "women's football is here to stay." The tournament has also highlighted the increasing influence of women's sports on consumer behavior, with Spanish beer brands gaining popularity among UK fans.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As Euro 2025 concludes, the implications for women's football are significant. The record-breaking attendance and viewership demonstrate a growing global interest in the sport, which could lead to increased investment and professional opportunities for female athletes. The economic impact in the UK suggests that major sporting events can drive substantial consumer spending, benefiting various sectors.

Looking ahead, the success of Euro 2025 may encourage other nations to bid for future tournaments, emphasizing sustainability and fan engagement. The rising popularity of women's football could also influence media coverage and sponsorship deals, further elevating the sport's profile on the international stage.