The UEFA European Championship, widely known as the Euros, stands as a monumental event in the world of international football. Second only to the FIFA World Cup in global viewership, this thrilling tournament captivates millions of fans every edition with its high stakes and display of top European talent. As anticipation builds for the upcoming 2024 tournament hosted in Germany, a common question arises for both seasoned followers and new enthusiasts: Just how often does the Euros tournament grace the football calendar?
The Regular Euro Cycle: Every Four Years
The UEFA European Championship operates on a consistent quadrennial cycle, meaning it is held every four years. This established pattern has been a hallmark of the tournament since its inaugural edition in France back in the summer of 1960. For over sixteen editions, this four-year rhythm has been reliably maintained, providing fans with a predictable schedule to look forward to Europe’s premier international football competition. This regular cadence allows for anticipation to build, national teams to develop, and excitement to reach fever pitch as each tournament approaches.
The Exception: Euro 2020 (Played in 2021)
While the four-year cycle is the norm, there’s always an exception that proves the rule. In the case of the Euros, that exception was UEFA Euro 2020. Originally scheduled to adhere to the typical four-year gap following Euro 2016, the tournament faced an unprecedented global challenge. The onset of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 caused widespread disruptions across the globe, and large-scale events, including the Euros, were significantly impacted. As a result, Euro 2020 was postponed by a year and eventually took place in June and July 2021. Despite the date change, UEFA made the decision to retain the original “UEFA Euro 2020” branding. This was primarily done to avoid costs associated with rebranding merchandise and materials that had already been produced, ensuring consistency despite the shifted schedule.
Why Every Four Years? The Reasons Behind the Schedule
The decision to hold the UEFA European Championship every four years is not arbitrary; it’s rooted in practical considerations related to the structure of international football and the extensive qualification process. One of the primary reasons for this cycle is to accommodate the lengthy and comprehensive qualification process. To ensure every UEFA member nation has a fair opportunity to compete for a spot in the finals, a significant number of qualifying matches are necessary. This qualification phase typically commences shortly after the conclusion of the most recent FIFA World Cup.
For example, the qualification journey for Euro 2024 involved a staggering 53 UEFA member associations. This was a substantial undertaking, featuring ten matchdays spread across a period from March 2023 to November 2023, following the rescheduling of the Qatar 2022 World Cup to the winter months. Looking back further, the Euro 2016 qualification phase spanned from September 2014 to November 2015, with 23 teams vying to join hosts France in the final tournament. This lengthy qualification period naturally necessitates a four-year gap between final tournaments. Furthermore, the four-year cycle of the Euros is strategically aligned with the FIFA World Cup, which also occurs every four years. By placing these major tournaments in alternate even-numbered years, international football maintains a rhythm of premier competitions, maximizing global attention and fan engagement without direct clashes.
Looking Ahead: Euro 2024 and Beyond
With the rescheduled Euro 2020 now in the history books, the football world is eagerly anticipating the next edition: Euro 2024 in Germany. This 17th UEFA European Championship is set to kick off in the summer of 2024, with the opening match scheduled for June 14, 2024, featuring hosts Germany against Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The tournament will culminate in the final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
Looking further into the future, the subsequent European Championship is already planned. Following the established four-year pattern, the next Euros is slated to take place 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 another memorable chapter in Euros history. This confirms the consistent four-year cycle will continue, ensuring fans can reliably anticipate the return of the UEFA European Championship every four years to celebrate the best of European international football.
