The inception of the UEFA European Championship dates to 1960, establishing itself as a premier association football competition. This tournament, governed by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), showcases the prowess of men's national teams from UEFA member nations and unfolds every four years.
The initial victors of this prestigious event were the Soviet Union, triumphing over Yugoslavia with a 2–1 scoreline after extra time in Paris. The latest instalment in London in 2021 witnessed Italy's Euro Cup team emerge victorious by securing a 3–2 win over England on penalties. Germany and Spain's Euro Cup sides have etched their names as the most successful teams in the championship's history, each clinching victory three times.
Italy and France's Euro Cup sides share the distinction of winning the competition twice, standing as the only teams to achieve this feat more than once. Conversely, Yugoslavia reached the final twice without securing victory. Greece, Netherlands, and Denmark claimed the European Championship on their sole appearances in the final, with Denmark stepping in for Yugoslavia in 1992. Italy's Euro Cup side currently holds the title of defending champions, having secured victory in the Euro Cup 2020 tournament against England on penalties.
Looking ahead, the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, colloquially known as UEFA Euro 2024 or Euro 2024, marks the 17th edition of this quadrennial international football championship. Organized by UEFA for men's national teams of member associations, the tournament is slated to occur from June 14 to July 14, 2024, with Germany serving as the host nation.
This will be the third instance of European Championship matches taking place on German soil, the second time in reunified Germany. The tournament, hosted previously by West Germany in 1988, saw four matches of the Euro Cup 2020 played in Munich. Notably, it will be the inaugural occurrence of the competition in former East Germany, with Leipzig designated as a host city. This also marks the first time a reunified Germany assumes the role of a solo host nation. The 2024 event signifies a return to the traditional four-year cycle, as the 2020 edition was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.