How Often Do the Euros Happen? A Quadrennial Football Feast
The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros, is a major international football tournament, second only to the FIFA World Cup in global viewership. With its thrilling matches and rich history, the Euros captivates millions of fans worldwide. But how often does this exciting competition actually take place?
The Euros: A Tournament Every Four Years
The Euros are held on a quadrennial cycle, meaning they occur every four years. Since the inaugural tournament in France in 1960, this schedule has remained consistent for 16 editions. This four-year gap allows for extensive qualifying rounds and ensures the tournament doesn’t clash with the FIFA World Cup, also held every four years.
The Exception: Euro 2020 in 2021
The only exception to the four-year cycle was Euro 2020. Originally scheduled for 2020, the tournament was postponed to 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the delay, UEFA retained the name Euro 2020 for branding and logistical reasons.
Why the Four-Year Cycle?
The four-year gap between Euros tournaments is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it accommodates the extensive qualifying process, which involves a large number of participating nations competing for a spot in the finals. This lengthy qualification period ensures every UEFA member association has a fair chance to qualify.
Secondly, the four-year cycle aligns with the FIFA World Cup schedule, preventing the two major tournaments from overlapping. This allows players sufficient recovery time and avoids scheduling conflicts for both players and fans. For example, Euro 2024 qualifying began shortly after the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Looking Ahead: Euro 2028 and Beyond
Following Euro 2024 in Germany, the next European Championship is anticipated to take place in the summer of 2028. A joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland has been selected to host the tournament. This signifies a return to the regular four-year cycle.
Euro 2024: Key Dates and Information
Euro 2024 will be held in Germany, kicking off on June 14th, 2024, with the final match scheduled for July 14th, 2024, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. The tournament will feature 51 matches played across various German cities. The opening game will see hosts Germany face Scotland in Munich.
In conclusion, the Euros are a quadrennial spectacle, occurring every four years with the sole exception of the pandemic-delayed Euro 2020. The four-year cycle allows for comprehensive qualifying, avoids clashes with the World Cup, and ensures the tournament remains a highly anticipated event in the global football calendar.