The UEFA European Championship, widely known as the Euros, stands as a pinnacle of international football, second only to the FIFA World Cup in global viewership and prestige. This captivating tournament, steeped in history and brimming with excitement, consistently draws in massive audiences eager to witness Europe’s finest national teams compete for continental glory. For both seasoned fans and newcomers to the beautiful game, a common question arises: How Often Is The Euros held?
Ahead of the highly anticipated Euro 2024, hosted by Germany, it’s the perfect time to delve into the rhythm of this celebrated competition and understand its recurring schedule.
The Euros Tournament Cycle: Every Four Years
The UEFA European Championship operates on a quadrennial cycle, meaning it takes place every four years. This consistent four-year interval has been a hallmark of the tournament since its inaugural edition in France in 1960. Across 16 editions, this pattern has remained largely unbroken, establishing a predictable rhythm for fans and the footballing world alike.
The sole deviation from this established schedule occurred with UEFA Euro 2020. Originally slated to maintain the four-year gap following Euro 2016, the tournament was postponed by a year and eventually held in 2021 due to the unprecedented global disruption caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Despite the delay, UEFA opted to retain the “Euro 2020” branding, a decision made for logistical reasons related to merchandise and branding continuity.
The Rationale Behind the Four-Year Euro Cycle
The decision to hold the Euros every four years is not arbitrary; it’s underpinned by practical considerations related to the extensive qualification process and the broader international football calendar, particularly its synchronization with the FIFA World Cup cycle.
The qualification process for the Euros is a comprehensive undertaking, designed to provide all UEFA member nations with a fair opportunity to compete in the final tournament. This process involves a significant number of matches played across an extended period. Typically, Euro qualification begins shortly after the conclusion of the most recent FIFA World Cup.
To illustrate the scale, the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign involved 53 UEFA member associations. This substantial undertaking unfolded over ten matchdays, spanning from March to November 2023, following the rescheduled Qatar 2022 World Cup. Similarly, the qualification phase for Euro 2016 stretched from September 2014 to November 2015, with 23 teams vying for a place alongside automatically qualified host nation France.
Euro 2020’s Unique Timing: The Pandemic Factor
As previously mentioned, Euro 2020 was uniquely held in 2021, breaking the usual four-year cycle. This postponement was a direct consequence of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic that swept across the globe in 2020. The pandemic forced the widespread postponement of sporting events, and Euro 2020 was no exception. The tournament was rescheduled to June and July 2021, with UEFA maintaining the original Euro 2020 name despite the calendar shift.
Looking Ahead: Euro 2028 and Beyond
With Euro 2024 on the horizon, anticipation is already building for the next edition of the tournament. Following the final of Euro 2024 in Berlin on July 14, 2024, fans can mark their calendars for the next European Championship, likely to be held in June and July of 2028.
Excitingly, Euro 2028 will be co-hosted by a collective bid from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, bringing the tournament back to the British Isles and Ireland for what promises to be a memorable edition.
Euro 2024: The Next Chapter Begins Soon
The wait for Euro 2024 is almost over. Germany is gearing up to host the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship, with the tournament set to kick off this summer.
The Euro 2024 group stage commences on June 14, 2024, with the opening match featuring host nation Germany against Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The group stage will run until June 26, followed by the knockout stages starting on June 29.
Euro 2024 will be a month-long festival of European football, featuring a total of 51 matches. The grand finale is scheduled for Sunday, July 14, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
So, to definitively answer the initial question: the Euros graces the global stage every four years, offering a consistent and eagerly anticipated rhythm of international football excitement. Get ready for Euro 2024 and the thrilling contests it promises!
