European Championship

Complete guide to the UEFA European Championship

The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros, is the primary international football tournament for European national teams. It brings together the continent’s top sides to compete for one of the most prestigious trophies in international football.

Organised by UEFA, the competition is held every four years and features the best teams from across Europe.

History and background

The tournament was first held in 1960 and has grown into one of the most competitive international competitions.

Over time, the Euros have expanded in size and global reach, becoming a major event in the international football calendar alongside the FIFA World Cup.

Format and competition structure

The Euros feature 24 teams in the final tournament.

Group stage

• Six groups of four teams
• Each team plays three matches
• Top two teams in each group qualify
• Four best third-placed teams also advance

Points system

• Win: 3 points
• Draw: 1 point
• Loss: 0 points

Tiebreakers

• Head-to-head points
• Head-to-head goal difference
• Head-to-head goals scored
• Overall goal difference
• Overall goals scored
• Disciplinary record
• Drawing of lots if required

Knockout stage

• Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final
• Single-leg matches
• Extra time and penalties used if required

Qualification pathway

• Teams qualify through UEFA qualification groups
• Host nation qualifies automatically
• Play-offs determine final qualification spots

Dynasties and dominant eras

Germany and Spain

Germany and Spain are the most successful nations in Euros history, each winning three titles across different eras.

France and Italy

France and Italy have also played major roles in the competition, with consistent success across tournaments.

Recent winners

• 2024: Spain
• 2020: Italy
• 2016: Portugal
• 2012: Spain
• 2008: Spain

List of winners

• 1960: Soviet Union
• 1964: Spain
• 1968: Italy
• 1972: West Germany
• 1976: Czechoslovakia
• 1980: West Germany
• 1984: France
• 1988: Netherlands
• 1992: Denmark
• 1996: Germany
• 2000: France
• 2004: Greece
• 2008: Spain
• 2012: Spain
• 2016: Portugal
• 2020: Italy
• 2024: Spain

Most successful nations

• Germany – 3 titles
• Spain – 3 titles
• France – 2 titles
• Italy – 2 titles

Top scorers

• Cristiano Ronaldo – 14 goals

Players such as Michel Platini are also among the most prolific scorers in Euros history.

Players of significance

Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in the Euros and one of the tournament’s defining players.

Zinedine Zidane played a key role in France’s success and remains one of the most influential players in the competition’s history.

Andrés Iniesta was central to Spain’s success across major tournaments, including their Euros triumphs.

Managers of significance

Vicente del Bosque led Spain during one of the most dominant periods in international football.

Didier Deschamps has achieved success with France across major international competitions.

Joachim Löw guided Germany through a successful international era.

Records and milestones

• First tournament: 1960
• Most successful nations: Germany and Spain (3 titles each)
• All-time top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo – 14 goals
• Spain won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2012

Why the Euros matter

The Euros are one of the most competitive international tournaments, featuring high-quality football and strong national rivalries.

The competition regularly produces closely contested matches, with tactical discipline and game management playing a key role.

Success at the Euros is a major achievement and contributes significantly to a nation’s footballing legacy.