What each Women’s Euros semifinalist winning means for the sport

England winning the 2022 Women’s Euros on home soil was arguably one of the best things to ever happen to the global sport.

The English Football Association reported a 140% surge in participation among girls under 16, and a 53% increase among women aged 16 and older in the season following the tournament.

The WSL enjoyed a 50% increase in revenue in the 2022-23 season according to Deloitte. It went up another 34% last season as well.

This means more money for clubs, who in a non-salary capped league, can compete handily with the NWSL for the world’s best.

Naomi Girma, the “best defender in the world” according to USWNT head coach Emma Hayes, left the NWSL for the WSL’s Chelsea last season. Other American talent like Catarina Macario, Emily Fox and Phallon Tullis-Joyce are enjoying soccer in the United Kingdom.

If England pull off another major tournament win, after finishing as runner-up in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the WSL will likely experience yet another significant revenue boost, priming clubs to go after more stars.

If Italy wins, parity also wins

The World No. 13 has the opportunity to win its first-ever major tournament this week.

With its best finish coming as runner-up in this competition in 1993 and 1997, this year’s dark horse could prove that the effort for parity in the women’s game is paying off.

It could prove to federations around the world that success is possible even if you aren’t a historic powerhouse and encourage them to continue ramping up investment for their women’s teams.

If Spain wins, the pressure is on for 2027

Spain, winner of the 2023 World Cup, was the betting favorite to win this tournament.

It could become the first women’s team since Germany in 2009 to win the World Cup and the Euros in the same competition cycle.

After faltering in the semifinals at the Paris Olympics last year, the World No. 2 could make a big statement ahead of the two-year ramp up to the 2027 World Cup in America.

If Spain gets back to its winning ways this week, it could seriously challenge the host nation and World No. 1 in 2027.

If Germany wins, goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger enters the GOAT discussion

The German shot-stopper is proven on the world’s greatest stage.

Berger was the hero in the bronze-medal match in Paris last year, saving a penalty in the dying seconds to secure the medal for Germany. After winning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year last November, she’s starting for the Germans again this summer and put on one of the most clutch goalkeeping performances in recent memory.

Down to 10 players due to a red card in the quarterfinal match, Berger pulled out this unbelievable stop in regulation.

The match went to penalties, and Berger saved two while also slotting home her own spot kick.

This two-year run of goalkeeping masterclass is reminiscent of American heroes Hope Solo and Alyssa Naeher and England’s Mary Earps in 2022 and 2023.

If Berger gets a major trophy under her belt, along with her bronze medal, her performances will warrant her a seat at the table of all-time international goalkeepers.