Euro Championship 2024/25

The UEFA European Championship stands as the premier competition for senior men's national teams on the continent. Originally established as the European Nations' Cup in 1960, the tournament adopted its current name in 1968 and introduced the "UEFA Euro" branding in 1996. Held every four years, it serves as the decisive event for determining the continental champion of Europe.

This year, the finals feature 24 teams, a format introduced in 2016 after expanding from 16 participants in 1996 and 8 in 1980. The structure begins with a group stage where sides are split into six groups of four. Each team faces the others in its group once. The top two teams from each group, alongside the four best third-placed sides, progress to the knockout phase. This bracket stage includes single-elimination matches from the Round of 16 through to the Final. If a match remains level after 90 minutes, it proceeds to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.

Spain holds the record for success, winning the title four times, including consecutive victories in 2008 and 2012. They defended their crown in 2024 by beating England in the final. Germany follows with three wins, while France and Italy have each claimed the trophy twice.

The path to the final tournament involves a rigorous qualification process. For the upcoming 2028 edition, 54 member associations compete in 12 qualifying groups. Twelve group winners and eight runners-up qualify directly. The remaining four spots are filled via play-offs involving teams from the UEFA Nations League and the main qualifiers. This structure ensures that the competition remains a focal point for European football, distinct from the league-style Nations League. The tournament is widely recognized as the second-most watched football event globally.