UEFA Euro 2020

UEFA EURO 2020 is the 16th edition of the European Football Championship and is organized by UEFA. Due to the tournament’s 60th anniversary, it was held for the first time 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.

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The tournament’s logo was unveiled in London, the capital of England, where the final and semifinal matches were held. The logo features Tower Bridge, one of London’s iconic symbols. The official opening ceremony was held at London City Hall, attended by prominent figures including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, Football Association of England Chairman Greg Clarke, and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

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. Elimination matches were played as single-leg fixtures, and the tournament featured 51 matches. Squad sizes were increased to 26 players, but only 23 players could be named on matchday lists.

The host cities of EURO 2020 were major urban centers across different countries, reflecting the tournament’s multi-city 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 Puskás Aréna in Budapest operated at full capacity. Other stadiums admitted spectators at rates between 20% and 50%, depending on national policies.

^{UEFA Euro 2020 açılış seremonisi (}Anadolu Ajansı⁾

At the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament, 24 teams 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. Below is the list of groups and participating teams:

• Italy
• Switzerland
• Wales
• Türkiye

Group 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.

• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• Russia

Matches in this group were played in Copenhagen, Denmark and Saint Petersburg, Russia. Belgium finished top of the group, while Denmark, despite a dramatic start, came second.

• Netherlands
• Austria
• Ukraine
• North Macedonia

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

• 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.

• Spain
• Sweden
• Poland
• Slovakia

Matches were held in Seville, Spain and Saint Petersburg, Russia. Spain struggled in the opening matches but still advanced from the group.

• France
• Germany
• Portugal
• Hungary

Group F matches, held in Budapest, Hungary and Munich, Germany, attracted significant attention. The group, featuring the reigning world champion France, the defending European champion Portugal, and host nation Germany, was dubbed the “group of death.” All three major teams advanced, while Hungary held out until the final matches.

This group structure reflected the tournament’s multi-city nature and high level of competition. EURO 2020 has entered football history as an important event both in sporting quality and organizational terms.

^{UEFA Euro 2020 Şampiyonu İtalya (}Anadolu Ajansı ⁾

The final match was played on 11 July 2021 at the Wembley Stadium in London. After a 1–1 draw following normal time and extra time, Italy defeated England 3–2 on penalties to become champions. This was Italy’s second European Championship title (first: 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.

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.

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 was launched in 1960 in France, after his death, under the name “European Nations’ Cup.” In the first final, the Soviet Union defeated Yugoslavia 2–1 to become champions.