Euro Cup host countries list: A comprehensive list of all the countries that have hosted the Euros

Soccer is the world's most famous sport, featuring top tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA European (Euro) Championship. The latter competition, the Euros, has been hosted in various countries since its inception in 1960. Some nations on the Euro Cup host countries list, such as Italy and France, have hosted the tournament multiple times.

The Euros is a competitive tournament involving the men's senior national teams of Europe battling for glory. It is held every four years and run by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

All Euro Cup host countries

Over the years, the Euro has been held in several European nations, and as its notoriety grows, the number of fans is expected to increase, especially in the upcoming Euro 2024. According to various online sources such as Topend Sports Network and World Soccer, here is a list of all Euro Cup host countries since 1960.

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Last 10 Euro Cup host countries

All teams compete in a qualifying process before entering the renowned competition, except the host country, who qualify automatically. Here is a detailed list of the last 10 UEFA Euro host countries and how the tournaments unfolded.

10. 1988 – West Germany

• Dates: 10-25 June 1988
• Venues: 8
• Teams: 8
• Matches played: 15

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The eighth edition of the tournament involved eight countries that played 15 matches in West Germany. Defending champions France failed to qualify for the event, which saw the Netherlands win for the first time in their history. The year's tournament was so unique that it ended without a goalless draw, a single send-off, or an extra time display.

9. 1992 – Sweden

• Dates: 10-26 June 1992
• Venues: 4
• Teams: 8
• Matches played: 15

The 1992 European Cup host country, Sweden, had four venues: Gothenburg, Stockholm, Malmö, and Norrköping. Denmark lifted the lucrative trophy after defeating Germany 2-0 in the finals.

8. 1996 – England

• Dates: 8-30 June 1996
• Venues:8
• Teams: 16
• Matches played: 31

England hosted the 96 Euros, the first edition to feature 16 finalists following UEFA's expansion decision. Germany won the finals after defeating the Czech Republic 2–1 with an extra-time goal from Oliver Bierhoff.

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The 96 European Cup final was the first significant competition to use the extra-time decision and Germany's first major victory as a united nation.

7. 2000 – Belgium and Netherlands

• Dates: 10 June - 2 July 2000
• Venues: 8
• Teams: 16
• Matches played: 31

Belgium and the Netherlands hosted Euro 2000, which was held at eight different venues. France won it after defeating Italy in the finals with a golden goal. Various sports pundits and writers have described the 2000 European Cup as a high-scoring tournament with many exciting matches and an elite level of play.

6. 2004 – Portugal

• Dates: 12 June - 4 July 2004
• Venues: 10
• Teams: 16
• Matches played: 15

The 2004 UEFA European Football Championship took place across ten venues in eight different cities in Portugal: Braga, Guimarães, Aveiro, Coimbra, Faro/Loulé, Porto Leiria and Lisbon. Greece surprisingly defeated favourites Portugal in the finals.

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The competition was full of shocks and upsets. Greece beat historical champions France in the quarterfinals, while heavyweights Germany, Spain, and Italy were eliminated in the group stage.

5. 2008 – Austria and Switzerland

• Dates: 7–29 June 2008
• Venues: 8
• Teams: 16
• Matches played: 31

Austria and Switzerland automatically qualified for the 2008 Euro as hosts. Spain won the tournament undefeated by beating Germany 1-0 in the finals.

4. 2012 – Poland and Ukraine

• Dates: 8 June – 1 July 2008
• Venues: 8
• Teams: 16
• Matches played: 31

Spain retained its crown after defeating Italy 4-0 in the finals of Euros 2012, which Ukraine and Poland hosted. The championship was played at eight venues, four in each host nation. The Spaniards became the first country to win three major tournaments consecutively (Euro 2008, 2012, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup).

3. 2016 – France

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• Dates: 10 June – 10 July
• Venues: 10
• Teams: 24
• Matches played: 51

The 2016 Euros, hosted by France in 10 venues in 9 different cities, was the first to have 24 teams. Portugal won 1-0 after defeating the home nation in extra time at the Stade de France. Even though Spain was the defending champion, Italy showed them the door in round 16.

2. 2020 – 11 different European countries

• Dates: 11 June – 11 July 2021
• Venues: 11
• Teams: 24
• Matches played: 51

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Euro 2020 was held in 2021 in 11 European nations. The reigning champions, Portugal, were defeated by Belgium in the round of 16. After a 1-1 draw after extra time, Italy defeated England on penalties to claim their second European Championship.

1. 2024 – Germany

• Dates: 14 June – 14 July 2024
• Venues: 10
• Teams: 24
• Scheduled matches: 51

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The upcoming 2024 Euro will be the 17th edition of the tournament. It is scheduled to take place from 14 June 2024 to 14 July 2024 and will comprise 24 teams. The Euro host country, Germany, will be looking to bag its fourth trophy in history.

Frequently asked questions

Over the years, the competition has expanded from the initial four teams to the current 24 teams. Here are some frequently asked questions about UEFA Euro host countries.

Where will Euro 2024 be held?

Twenty-four teams will compete in the UEFA Euro 2024 event, which will take place in Germany. Italy is the defending champion, having prevailed over England in the last tournament final on penalties.

Will Ronaldo play in Euro 2024?

The legendary Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo will play in the 2024 European championship, proving that age is just a number.

How many teams from each group qualify for Euro 2024?

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The top two teams from each group go to the knockout stages, and the top four in third place advance to the round of 16.

Where is the Euro 2024 final stadium?

Munich Football Arena will host the tournament's opening game, while Berlin will host the final match.

Final word

Although ten national teams have won the European Championship title, most nations on the Euro Cup host countries list are famous for their footballing prowess. As of 2024, countries such as Spain and Germany have both won the lucrative title thrice, while Italy and France have won it twice.

READ ALSO: A detailed list of countries that have never been to the World Cup

Sports Brief has compiled an article detailing countries that have never played in the World Cup. The FIFA World Cup is arguably the most popular and competitive football event globally. Held every four years, the tournament has attracted some of the best teams and players fighting for the top prize. Click the link above to learn more!