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UEFA European Championship

The UEFA European Championship, commonly called the Euros, is UEFA’s senior men’s national team football tournament for Europe.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The UEFA European Championship, commonly called the Euros, is UEFA’s senior men’s national team football tournament for Europe. It is held every four years, with a 24-team final tournament and automatic qualification for the host nation or joint hosts. Spain are the defending champions after winning Euro 2024.

Format

The UEFA European Championship is contested by European national teams in a qualifying process before the final tournament. Since Euro 2016, the final tournament has featured 24 teams, with the top two from each group and the best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage.

Recent tournaments

Euro 2024 returned the competition to its usual four-year cycle after the 2020 edition was postponed. Germany hosted the 2024 tournament, and Spain won the final against England.

Euro 2028

The 2028 tournament is scheduled for 9 June to 9 July 2028 and will be jointly hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. Matches will be played across nine venues in eight cities.

Key facts

  • The competition is UEFA’s main tournament for senior men’s national teams in Europe.
  • The Euros are generally played every four years.
  • The final tournament uses a 24-team format, with host nations qualifying automatically.
  • Spain won Euro 2024 by defeating England 2–1 in the final in Berlin.
  • Euro 2028 will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.
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Canadian context

Canada is not a participant in the UEFA European Championship, but Canadian readers follow the tournament closely because of its global profile and the participation of many internationally popular clubs and players.

Frequently asked questions

When are the Euros?
The UEFA European Championship is held every four years. Euro 2028 is scheduled for 9 June to 9 July 2028.
Who is hosting Euros 2024?
Germany hosted Euro 2024.
Who won the Euros?
Spain won Euro 2024, beating England 2–1 in the final.
How many teams are in the Euros?
The final tournament has 24 teams.
Where are Euros 2028?
Euro 2028 will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_European_Championship
    Supports: Tournament identity as the UEFA European Championship, commonly called the Euros; four-year cycle; 24-team format; Spain won Euro 2024; Euro 2028 hosts.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/schedule/_/league/uefa.euro
    Supports: Euro 2024 final result Spain 2–1 England in Berlin.
  3. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/euro2028/news/029f-1f2f36424d97-2486810a0d57-1000--euro-2028-tournament-schedule-confirmed-when-and-where-a/
    Supports: Euro 2028 hosts, dates, venues, and 24-team format.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2028
    Supports: Euro 2028 co-hosts, dates, and 24-team tournament details.