UEFA Euro 2020

UEFA EURO 2020 is the 16th edition of the UEFA European Football Championship and is organized by UEFA. Due to the tournament’s 60th anniversary, it was held for the first time in history across 11 different countries and cities. Originally scheduled for 2020, the championship was postponed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and took place between 11 June and 11 July 2021. As a result, the tournament retained the name “EURO 2020” despite being played in 2021.

UEFA Euro 2020 logo and championship trophy (Anadolu Agency)

Organization and Format

The tournament logo was unveiled in London, the capital of England, where the final and semi-finals were held. The logo features Tower Bridge, one of London’s iconic symbols. The official opening ceremony took place at London City Hall, attended by prominent figures including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, Football Association of England President Greg Clarke, and Mayor of London Sadik Han.

A total of 24 national teams were divided into six groups of four. After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advanced to the Round of 16. All elimination matches were played as single-leg fixtures, resulting in a total of 51 matches. Squad sizes were increased to 26 players, but only 23 players could be named on the matchday roster.

Host Cities

The host cities of EURO 2020 were major urban centers across different countries, reflecting the tournament’s multi-host structure. The following cities and countries hosted matches:

• Italy (Rome)
• England (London)
• Netherlands (Amsterdam)
• Denmark (Copenhagen)
• Azerbaijan (Baku)
• Romania (Bucharest)
• Hungary (Budapest)
• Russia (Saint Petersburg)
• Germany (Munich)
• Spain (Seville)
• Scotland (Glasgow)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, spectator capacity was restricted. Only the Puskas Arena in Budapest operated at full capacity. Other stadiums admitted spectators at rates ranging from 20% to 50%, depending on national regulations.

UEFA Euro 2020 opening ceremony (Anadolu Agency)

Teams and Groups

The 24 teams participating in UEFA EURO 2020 were divided into six groups of four following the draw. Group matches were played between 11 June and 23 June 2021, with the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 16. The groups and participating teams are listed below:

Group A

• Italy
• Switzerland
• Wales
• Türkiye

Group A matches were held in Rome (Italy) and Baku (Azerbaijan). Italy dominated the group with three wins from three matches, while Türkiye finished without a point.

Group B

• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• Russia

Matches in Group B were played in Copenhagen (Denmark) and Saint Petersburg (Russia). Belgium finished at the top of the group, while Denmark, despite a dramatic start, secured second place.

Group C

• Netherlands
• Austria
• Ukraine
• North Macedonia

Group C matches were held in Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Bucharest (Romania). North Macedonia, making its debut in the tournament, finished last in the group.

Group D

• England
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Scotland

In Group D, hosted by London (England) and Glasgow (Scotland), England topped the group, while Scotland was eliminated in the group stage.

Group E

• Spain
• Sweden
• Poland
• Slovakia

Matches were played in Seville (Spain) and Saint Petersburg (Russia). Spain struggled in the early stages but successfully advanced from the group.

Group F

• France
• Germany
• Portugal
• Hungary

Group F matches, held in Budapest (Hungary) and Munich (Germany), featured intense competition. The group, which included the reigning world champion France, the reigning European champion Portugal, and host nation Germany, was dubbed the “group of death.” All three major teams advanced, while Hungary held on until the final matches.

This group structure reflected the tournament’s multi-host nature and high level of competition. EURO 2020 has become a landmark event in football history, notable for both its sporting quality and organizational innovation.

UEFA Euro 2020 Champion Italy (Anadolu Agency)

Final and Champion

The final match was played on 11 July 2021 at the Wembley Stadium in London. The match ended 1-1 after normal time and extra time, with Italy defeating England 3-2 in the penalty shootout to become champions. This was Italy’s second European Championship title in history (the first was in 1968). The trophy was lifted by Italy national team captain Giorgio Chiellini.

Following the final, Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was named the tournament’s best player.

Key Innovations

For the first time, a South American referee, Fernando Rapallini, officiated at the European Championship, as part of a UEFA–CONMEBOL cooperation initiative. Additionally, for the first time, a female referee, Stephanie Frappart, was appointed as a fourth official for matches.

Historical Background

The foundations of the European Football Championship were laid by Henri Delaunay, General Secretary of the French Football Federation and the first General Secretary of UEFA. The tournament, named the “European Nations Cup,” was first held in 1960 in France, after Delaunay’s death. In the inaugural final, the Soviet Union defeated Yugoslavia 2-1 to become champions.