The UEFA European Championship, widely known as the Euros, stands as a premier international football competition, second only to the FIFA World Cup in global viewership. Millions of fans eagerly anticipate this thrilling tournament, but a common question arises: just how often are the Euros held?
Ahead of the highly anticipated Euro 2024 in Germany, eurodripusa.net clarifies the schedule of this major football event.
The Euros: A Four-Year Cycle Explained
The UEFA European Championship operates on a quadrennial cycle, meaning it takes place every four years. This established pattern has been consistent for the vast majority of its history.
Since its inaugural tournament in France in 1960, the Euros have been a regular fixture every four years for sixteen editions. This predictable schedule allows fans to plan and look forward to this major international football event.
However, there was a recent deviation from this norm. UEFA Euro 2020 was the exception to the rule. Originally slated for the usual four-year interval after Euro 2016, the tournament was postponed due to the global Coronavirus pandemic and eventually held in 2021.
Why the Euros are Not an Annual Event
The four-year gap between Euros tournaments is primarily due to two key factors: the extensive qualification process and its alignment with the FIFA World Cup cycle.
The qualification process for the Euros is comprehensive, designed to give every UEFA member nation a fair opportunity to compete in the finals. These qualification rounds typically commence shortly after the conclusion of the most recent FIFA World Cup.
To illustrate the scale, a total of 53 UEFA member associations participated in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. This involved a packed schedule of 10 matchdays spanning from March to November 2023, following the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Similarly, the qualification for Euro 2016 took place between September 2014 and November 2015, with numerous teams vying to join host nation France in the final tournament.
This lengthy and demanding qualification process necessitates a four-year cycle to allow sufficient time for all stages of the competition.
The Unique Case of Euro 2020: Why it Was in 2021
As mentioned, Euro 2020 was uniquely held in 2021. This one-year postponement was a direct consequence of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The pandemic caused widespread disruptions to global events, and the Euros were no exception. The tournament was rescheduled to June and July 2021 to mitigate health risks and logistical challenges. Despite the date change, UEFA retained the original “UEFA Euro 2020” name for branding and merchandising continuity.
Looking Ahead: When is the Next Euros Tournament?
Euro 2024 is on the horizon, culminating in the final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 14, 2024. Fans are already wondering about the future – when will the next European Championship take place after 2024?
Following the established four-year cycle, the subsequent edition of the European Championship is anticipated in June and July of 2028. Excitingly, Euro 2028 will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, bringing the tournament to multiple nations and further expanding its reach.
Euro 2024: Dates and Key Information
The wait for Euro 2024 is nearly over, as Germany prepares to host the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship.
The tournament kicks off this summer, with the group stage commencing on June 14, 2024. The opening match will feature hosts Germany against Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The group stage will continue until June 26, followed by the knockout stage starting on June 29. Euro 2024 will be a month-long festival of football, featuring 51 matches in total. The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 14, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
In conclusion, the Euros are a quadrennial event, occurring every four years, offering football fans a regular and highly anticipated international tournament to look forward to. While exceptions like Euro 2020 occur due to extraordinary circumstances, the established four-year cycle remains the standard for this prestigious competition.
