The thrilling journey to the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia is nearing its destination! The qualification group stage wrapped up recently, confirming the places of 12 nations in the final tournament alongside host nation Slovakia. An additional six teams have earned a second chance, progressing to the play-offs scheduled for November.
The qualification battles commenced in March 2023, with the majority of teams launching their campaigns in September of the same year. The stakes were high: secure a coveted spot in the final tournament, set to be held from June 11th to 28th, 2025. The path to Slovakia was direct for the nine group winners and the three best runners-up (excluding results against sixth-placed teams).
September’s matches saw the Netherlands and Spain emerge as dominant group winners, securing their early qualification. October brought another wave of qualified teams, with Denmark, England, Germany, Portugal, and Ukraine joining the ranks. On the final qualification day, France, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia completed the list of nations directly qualified for the UEFA Euro U-21 Championship in Slovakia.
However, the dream isn’t over for everyone! Six runners-up – Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, Georgia, and Norway – will now compete in the November play-offs for the remaining three spots in the final tournament. Mark your calendars: the final tournament draw will take place in Bratislava on December 3rd, setting the stage for the U21 EURO 2025 showdown.
Confirmed Teams: Qualified for Finals and Play-offs
Qualified for Finals: Denmark, England (holders), France*, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland*, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia (hosts), Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine**Qualified as three best runners-up
Play-offs: Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, Georgia, Norway
2025 U21 EURO Qualifying Group Standings and Key Match Highlights
For a detailed look at the group standings, you can visit the official 2025 U21 EURO qualifying groups page.
Pio Esposito celebrates his goal for Italy U21 against San Marino U21 in the UEFA Euro U-21 Qualification match
Image: Italy’s Pio Esposito, on the right, joyfully celebrates one of his impressive four goals against San Marino during a UEFA Euro U-21 Qualification match. (Getty Images)
Group A: Italy Clinches Top Spot, Norway Heads to Play-offs
Italy’s U21 squad showcased their dominance in Group A. An undefeated run, highlighted by a decisive 7-0 victory over San Marino and a 3-0 win against Norway in September, solidified their position at the top. A 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland on the final day officially sealed their qualification. Norway’s journey was more dramatic. A crucial late equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Ireland kept their play-off hopes alive. They then secured their play-off berth with a convincing 5-1 win over Türkiye, edging out Ireland based on head-to-head results.
Group B: Spain’s Undefeated Run Secures Qualification, Belgium in Play-offs
Spain maintained a flawless record in Group B, qualifying comfortably in September with key victories against Scotland and Hungary. They concluded their campaign with a win against Malta, accumulating an impressive 28 points from ten games. Belgium secured the play-off spot after a 2-0 victory in Scotland, putting them three points ahead. Despite a narrow 1-0 loss to Hungary, Belgium’s play-off place was confirmed as Scotland succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Kazakhstan.
The Netherlands U21 team celebrates their perfect run in Group C of the UEFA Euro U-21 Qualification
Image: The Netherlands U21 team celebrates their perfect qualification campaign, having won all ten of their Group C matches in the UEFA Euro U-21 Qualification. (Getty Images)
Group C: Netherlands Achieve Perfect Record, Georgia Grab Play-off Spot
The Netherlands were the first team to qualify for the U21 EURO, and they cemented their dominance by being the only team to complete the qualification stage with a perfect record. A 3-0 victory over Sweden, who were vying for a play-off spot, underscored their strength. Sweden had previously edged out Georgia with a 3-2 win, but Georgia bounced back, defeating North Macedonia 2-1 on the final day to snatch the play-off place from Sweden.
Image: Germany U21 team celebrates their qualification to the UEFA Euro U-21 Championship after a victory against Bulgaria in their qualifying match. (Getty Images)
Group D: Germany and Poland Secure Qualification
Germany secured their qualification to the finals by defeating Bulgaria 2-1. Poland ensured their runner-up position with a 4-0 win against Kosovo, their closest competitor for the top two spots. In a dramatic final match, Poland rallied from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Germany. This draw was sufficient for Poland to qualify as one of the best runners-up.
Group E: Romania Qualifies as Group Winner, Finland in Play-offs
Romania’s U21 team topped Group E after a commanding 6-2 victory over Montenegro. Finland initially held second place, but a late equalizer against Switzerland shifted the standings. Romania then confirmed their qualification with a 3-1 win against Switzerland. Finland secured the play-off spot by defeating Montenegro 2-1, overtaking Switzerland.
Group F: England and Ukraine Both Qualify
Defending champions England faced a tough challenge from Ukraine in Group F. Two late goals from James McAtee secured a 2-1 comeback win for England against Ukraine, who had previously been undefeated. Despite the loss, Ukraine’s strong performance throughout qualification ensured they qualified as one of the best runners-up. England later confirmed their top spot with a dominant 7-0 victory over Azerbaijan, becoming the top-scoring team in qualification with 41 goals.
Group G: Portugal Direct to Finals, Croatia to Play-offs
Portugal secured their finals spot with a late comeback 3-1 victory against the Faroe Islands. They finished their campaign with a 2-1 win over Andorra, where Fábio Silva scored late, becoming the top qualifier scorer with eight goals and bringing his U21 EURO tally to 14, just one goal shy of the record. Croatia claimed the play-off spot with a 3-2 victory against Greece.
Arnaud Kalimuendo celebrates his winning goal for France U21 against Bosnia and Herzegovina U21 in UEFA Euro U-21 Qualification
Image: Arnaud Kalimuendo of France U21 (center) celebrates his last-minute winning goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA Euro U-21 Qualification match. (Fedja Krvavac)
Group H: Slovenia and France Both Advance
Slovenia and France both secured their top-two positions in Group H. Slovenia’s 1-1 draw with Austria confirmed their qualification as group winners. Although France lost 2-1 to Austria, they still qualified as one of the best runners-up. This marks only the second time Slovenia has reached the U21 EURO finals, previously qualifying as co-hosts in 2021.
Group I: Denmark Wins Group, Czechia in Play-offs
Denmark secured their qualification despite a 4-2 loss to Iceland in September. They bounced back with a dominant 5-0 victory against Czechia. Denmark’s qualification was confirmed when Wales, their only remaining challenger, lost to Czechia. Denmark finished with a 2-0 win against Iceland, while Czechia defeated Lithuania 3-0 to secure a play-off spot, overtaking Wales on head-to-head record.
U21 EURO Qualifying Team Guide: History and Facts
- Italy and Spain lead the way with a record five U21 EURO titles each, followed by England and Germany (3 each), Netherlands (2), and Czechia, France, Serbia (as Yugoslavia), and Sweden as former champions.
- England are the current title holders, having won the 2023 finals in Georgia and Romania, defeating Spain in the final. Israel and Ukraine reached the semi-finals.
- Numerous nations including Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, and Wales are still seeking their first appearance in a one-venue U21 EURO final tournament since 1994.
- Albania and Bulgaria have reached the quarter-finals in the past when the competition was played over two legs before 1994 but are yet to reach a one-venue final tournament.
- Georgia and Slovenia have only participated in the final tournament as host nations.
For a look back at some memorable moments, check out: Under-21 EURO: Great final goals
U21 EURO Qualifying Match Dates Recap
Group Stage Match Dates:
24–28 March 2023
15–20 June 2023
6–12 September 2023
12–17 October 2023
16–21 November 2023
21–26 March 2024
7 June 2024 (resumption of abandoned match)
4–10 September 2024
10–15 October 2024
Play-off Match Dates:
11–19 November 2024
2025 U21 EURO Final Tournament in Slovakia: June 11-28, 2025.
