How Often is the Euro Cup?
The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros or the Euro Cup, is a major international football tournament contested by the senior men’s national teams of the members of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). It is held every four years.
The Euros are one of the most prestigious and widely viewed sporting events in the world, second only to the FIFA World Cup in terms of global audience. The tournament features some of the best football talent on the planet, competing for national pride and continental glory.
The four-year cycle allows ample time for the extensive qualification process, ensuring that nations across Europe have a fair chance to compete in the finals. The qualifying rounds typically begin after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup, creating a continuous cycle of high-stakes international football.
The only exception to this quadrennial schedule was Euro 2020, which was postponed to 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the delay, UEFA retained the original name of Euro 2020 for branding and logistical reasons.
The decision to maintain a four-year gap between tournaments is influenced by several factors, including the demanding qualification process and the desire to avoid clashing with other major international sporting events, like the World Cup. This schedule ensures that each Euro Cup receives the attention and focus it deserves.
The next European Championship, Euro 2024, will be held in Germany. The tournament will kick off on June 14, 2024, and culminate with the final match at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 14, 2024. Following Euro 2024, the tournament is scheduled to take place in 2028, hosted jointly by England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. This unique multi-nation hosting arrangement promises to be a landmark event in European football history.
The four-year cycle allows for a comprehensive qualification process, involving numerous matches played across Europe. This ensures that the best teams ultimately qualify for the final tournament, making the Euros a truly competitive and captivating spectacle.