The Euros: what it is and how Europe's national team tournament works
August 22, 2026 · 6 min
If the World Cup is the tournament of the whole planet, the Euros are the big event for European national teams, and the standard is usually sky-high because it brings together several of the best sides in the world. Here at Golazo Scores we explain what it is, how it works and why every edition produces unexpected champions.
What the Euros are
The Euros, officially known as the UEFA European Championship, is the tournament that crowns the best national team on the continent. It is organised by UEFA and was first played in 1960.
Like the World Cup, it is held every four years, staggered with it so the two never clash. That way, every other summer European fans have a major international tournament to follow.
How teams qualify
Before the finals there is a long qualifying campaign. European national teams are split into groups and play each other over several months; those finishing in the top positions earn their ticket to the tournament.
Those who fall just short still get a second chance through the play-offs, a mini knockout that hands out the final places. Only after getting through all of that does a team make it to the finals.
The format of the finals
In its current format, the finals bring together 24 teams divided into groups. After the group stage, the top two in each group go through, along with the best third-placed teams, to complete the knockout bracket.
From the round of 16 onwards, everything is decided in a single match: lose and you go home. If it is level, extra time is played and, if it is still tied, penalties. That format means any slip-up is punished severely and the tension is at its peak.
A tournament of surprises
The Euros are famous for their unexpected champions. Teams that did not start as favourites have lifted the trophy after memorable runs, proving that in such a short format, balance and tactical discipline can count for more than big names.
Spain are the team with the most European titles, followed by Germany. But the tournament's history is full of heroics from modest sides, and that is exactly what makes it so thrilling to follow.
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