The Swiss women are preparing for the European Championships on home soil. © Facebook/Swiss Nati Women

Swiss women outclassed by boys' team

The Swiss women's soccer team, led by star player Alisha Lehmann, suffered a 1-7 defeat in a secret friendly match for the home European Championship against the U15 boys of FC Luzern.

June 25, 2025

From: dpa/sn

Like the Swiss View reported, pictures and a video appeared on the TikTok platform showing the women's team in a friendly against the FC Luzern junior team. The only goal was scored by Alayah Pilgrim, who, like internet star Lehmann (16,7 million followers on Instagram and 12 million on TikTok), was featured in the now-deleted video.

The Swiss Football Association told the View Upon inquiry, the team stated that such test matches had been organized in the run-up to tournaments in the past. It is not uncommon in women's football to compete against junior teams. "The goal: to bring a certain competitive element. The focus during this phase of preparation is on the physical aspect. Regardless of the result, these training matches are very similar to our international matches in terms of intensity and mileage," said media spokesperson Sven Micossé.

Tests against boys not uncommon

According to media reports, the Swiss women had previously tested two other youth teams. Coach Pia Sundhage's team lost 15-1 to FC Solothurn's U2 team and won 15-2 against FC Biel's U1 team.

In the match against Lucerne, which lasted three 30-minute periods, Pilgrim scored the 1-3 lead. Sundhage then made a complete substitution, fielding a total of 26 players.

Switzerland will face Norway, Iceland, and Finland in Group A at the home tournament from July 2 to 27. The German women will play against Denmark, Poland, and Sweden in Group C.