UEFA European Championship
International football tournament.
The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros, is a prestigious international football tournament contested by the senior men's national teams of UEFA member associations. Established in 1960, it is considered the second most important international football competition after the FIFA World Cup.
The tournament was originally conceived in 1927 by Henri Delaunay, a French Football Federation administrator, and was later named the Delaunay Trophy in his honor. Initially featuring just four teams, the competition has expanded significantly over the decades, with the current format including 24 teams since 2016.
Spain stands as the most successful team in the tournament's history, having won four titles (1964, 2008, 2012, and 2024), and is the only nation to win consecutive championships in 2008 and 2012. Germany follows closely with three titles. Other multiple champions include France and Italy, each with two victories.
The tournament follows a unique format, with teams competing in a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Qualification matches are held in the years preceding the tournament, with host nations sometimes receiving automatic qualification. The most recent championship in 2024, hosted by Germany, saw Spain defeat England 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
The Euros have produced numerous memorable moments throughout history. Notable achievements include France winning all five of their matches in 1984, and Greece's unexpected victory in 2004 as massive underdogs. The tournament has also been a platform for legendary performances by players like Michel Platini, who scored 9 goals in just 5 games during the 1984 tournament.
Television viewership has grown dramatically, with the 2016 tournament attracting 2 billion live viewers globally, marking a 100 million increase from the previous edition. The competition has expanded its global reach, becoming a significant event in the international football calendar.
The tournament continues to evolve, with recent editions featuring innovative formats, including the 2020 tournament (played in 2021) which was uniquely hosted by 11 different countries.