When Is Euro Football? Next Tournament Dates & Hosts

By Sarah Miller · July 8, 2051

The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as Euro football, will next take place in 2028, hosted by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The tournament is held every four years, with the upcoming edition following Euro 2024 in Germany.

What Is the UEFA European Championship?

The UEFA European Championship, or Euro football, is the premier men's national team competition in European football, organized by UEFA (Union of European Football Associations). It features top national teams from across Europe competing for continental supremacy.

Key Facts About Euro Football

Organized by: UEFA (Union of European Football Associations)
Frequency: Every four years
First edition: 1960 (as the European Nations' Cup)
Number of teams (since 2016): 24
Current champions: Italy (Euro 2020)
Most successful nation: Germany and Spain (3 titles each)

Upcoming Euro Football Tournament: Euro 2028

Euro 2028 will be jointly hosted by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. This will mark the first time the tournament is co-hosted by six different countries—England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and potentially venues in other UK nations.

Confirmed Host Cities and Stadiums (Tentative)

While final confirmations are pending UEFA approval, the following stadiums are under consideration:

Wembley Stadium – London, England
Aviva Stadium – Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Hampden Park – Glasgow, Scotland
Principality Stadium – Cardiff, Wales
Old Trafford – Manchester, England
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – London, England

Historical Overview of Past Tournaments

The tournament has evolved significantly since its inception. From a modest four-team competition in 1960, it expanded to 16 teams in 1996 and then to 24 teams in 2016 to include more nations.

Tournament	Host Country(s)	Champion	Runner-up	Top Scorer	Goals
Euro 2020	Multiple (Pan-European)	Italy	England	Christiano Ronaldo	5
Euro 2016	France	Portugal	France	Antoine Griezmann	6
Euro 2012	Poland & Ukraine	Spain	Italy	Fernando Torres, Alan Dzagoev, etc.	3
Euro 2008	Austria & Switzerland	Spain	Germany	David Villa, Fernando Torres, etc.	4
Euro 2004	Portugal	Greece	Portugal	Millennium Award: Milan Baroš	5

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a trend of increasing competitiveness, with underdog nations like Greece (2004) and Portugal (2016) winning titles. Spain remains the only team to win back-to-back tournaments (2008, 2012). Goal totals have remained relatively stable despite larger squads, indicating tighter defensive strategies in modern football.

Qualification Process for Euro Football

National teams must go through a rigorous qualification phase to reach the final tournament. The process typically begins two years before the event.

Steps in the Qualification Cycle

Group Stage: Teams are divided into groups; they play home and away matches.
Nations League Integration: Since 2020, the UEFA Nations League offers a secondary path to qualification.
Play-offs: 12 teams compete in knockout rounds for the remaining spots.
Final Tournament: 24 teams compete in group and knockout stages.

When Is Euro Football Held?

Euro football is held every four years, in even-numbered years between World Cups. The next editions are scheduled as follows:

Euro 2024: June 14 – July 14, 2024 (Germany)
Euro 2028: June 10 – July 10, 2028 (UK & Ireland)
Euro 2032: Expected June–July 2032 (Italy & Turkey expected hosts)

The tournament traditionally takes place in June and July, avoiding club football seasons and maximizing viewership during summer months in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Euro Football

When is the next Euro football tournament?

The next UEFA European Championship, Euro 2028, will be held from June 10 to July 10, 2028, hosted by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

How often is Euro football held?

Euro football takes place every four years, similar to the FIFA World Cup. It occurs in even-numbered years that are not World Cup years, such as 2024, 2028, and 2032.

Which countries are hosting Euro 2028?

Euro 2028 will be co-hosted by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Matches are expected at major stadiums in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Dublin.

How many teams participate in Euro football?

Since 2016, 24 national teams qualify for the final tournament. This expansion allows more nations to compete compared to the previous 16-team format.

Who won the last Euro football championship?

Italy won the most recent UEFA European Championship, Euro 2020, defeating England in the final at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021. The match was delayed by one year due to the global pandemic.