History of the European Championship: The Euros Since 1960

The history of the European Championship starts in 1960, when four teams met in France for the first Euros. Since that small beginning, the tournament has grown from four teams to 24. For example, it fills stadiums across Europe every four years. In fact, it has produced great champions, famous finals and unforgettable nights for fans from London to Madrid. Overall, Spain lead the winners list with four titles, while Germany have reached six finals, more than any other nation. This guide follows the tournament from its first match to Spain’s record fourth title in 2024. It covers the founding, the great teams, the record winners and the famous finals.

Last updated: November 2026

Quick Answer

• The history of the European Championship began in 1960, when the Soviet Union won the first title in France.
• Spain lead the winners list with four titles, ahead of Germany with three.
• Only 10 nations have won the tournament in 17 editions through 2024.
• The finals have featured 24 teams since 2016.
• Spain won the most recent tournament in 2024, beating England 2-1 in Berlin.

The history of the European Championship: how it began

The idea for a pan-European tournament came from Henri Delaunay, secretary-general of the French Football Federation, who first proposed it in 1927. After that, Delaunay died in 1955, and UEFA founded the tournament in 1958, three years after his death. In fact, it took more than 30 years from Delaunay’s first proposal to the first tournament.

From the start, UEFA planned the tournament as the main international men’s football competition in Europe. In addition, it takes place every four years, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments. That timing gives the Euros a clear space in the football calendar. Fans across the continent mark the tournament dates with pride. For the full story of the other great international tournament, read our guide to the history of the World Cup.

The history of the European Championship: the first Euros in 1960

The first tournament took place in France in 1960. It was called the European Nations’ Cup. In total, only four teams reached the finals, from 17 entrants. The Soviet Union won the first title, beating Yugoslavia 2-1 after extra time in the final in Paris. However, Spain withdrew from their quarter-final against the Soviet Union, so they did not play in the first finals. Finally, the name changed to the current European Championship in 1968.

Since 1960, the tournament has taken place every four years. Euro 2020 was the one exception, as it was postponed to 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the tournament kept the name Euro 2020, even though the matches took place a year later.

The history of the European Championship: growth to 24 teams

The tournament grew step by step. First, it started with four teams from 1960 to 1976, and it grew to eight teams in 1980. After that, it grew to 16 teams in 1996, and it has featured 24 teams since 2016. As a result, the bigger format gave smaller nations a chance to reach the finals. It brought more matches and more stories to every tournament.

The growth also changed how the tournament feels. With 24 teams, the finals last longer and cover more host cities. In addition, fans from more nations get to see their team at a major tournament. In addition, the bigger field means surprise teams can reach the knockout rounds. For example, Denmark and Greece showed that in the past.

Spain: the most successful nation

Spain are the most successful nation in the history of the European Championship. In fact, they have won four titles: 1964, 2008, 2012 and 2024. Moreover, they are the only team to win consecutive titles, in 2008 and 2012. Spain won their first title in 1964. After that, they returned to the top more than 40 years later, with the great team of 2008 and 2012.

Spain won the 2024 tournament in Germany. They beat England 2-1 in the final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on 14 July 2024. That win gave Spain a record fourth title, and it moved them clear of Germany on three. As a result, Spain stand alone at the top of the winners list.

Germany and the other champions

Germany have won three titles: 1972, 1980 and 1996, including the West Germany era. In fact, Germany have also reached six finals, more than any other nation. They won three and lost three, in 1976, 1992 and 2008. In fact, no other nation has reached as many finals.

Italy have won two titles, in 1968 and 2020, and France have also won two, in 1984 and 2000. In addition, six more nations have won one title each: the Soviet Union in 1960, Czechoslovakia in 1976 and the Netherlands in 1988. Denmark won in 1992, Greece in 2004 and Portugal in 2016. In total, ten different nations have won the tournament.

The history of the European Championship: recent winners

Recent tournaments have produced new champions and tight finals. First, Portugal won the 2016 title by beating France 1-0 after extra time in the final in Paris. After that, Italy won the 2020 title by beating England on penalties in the final at Wembley. The tournament took place in 2021, after a one-year delay.

Finally, Spain won the 2024 title by beating England 2-1 in the final in Berlin. For a look at Africa’s great tournament, read our guide to the history of AFCON.

The most successful nations

In 17 editions through 2024, only 10 nations have won the Euros. The table shows how much Spain and Germany have dominated the tournament, with seven titles between them.

Country	European Championship titles
Spain	4
Germany	3
Italy	2
France	2
Soviet Union	1
Czechoslovakia	1
Netherlands	1
Denmark	1
Greece	1
Portugal	1

In total, the table covers one title for each tournament played from 1960 to 2024.

Famous finals and stories

The Euros have produced some of the most famous finals in football. In 1976, Czechoslovakia beat West Germany on penalties. Antonín Panenka won it with his famous chipped penalty down the middle. The kick still carries his name, and players still try it in big matches.

In 1992, Denmark did not qualify for the tournament. They replaced Yugoslavia and went on to win it, beating Germany 2-0 in the final. It remains one of the great surprise wins in international football. Similarly, in 2004, Greece, rank outsiders, beat hosts Portugal in the final. Few people had tipped their team to go far.

In 2012, Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the final in Kyiv, the biggest winning margin in a Euros final. That win also gave Spain their second title in a row, a feat no other team has matched.

The history of the European Championship: why the Euros matter

The Euros matter because the tournament brings together the best teams in Europe every four years. It gives players from smaller nations a stage to shine. In addition, it fills stadiums with colour, music and noise that few other competitions can match. As a result, fans get a month of football to enjoy. A title lifts a whole country, and a strong run can unite fans behind their team for weeks.

The next tournament, Euro 2028, will be held in the UK and Ireland. Overall, fans across Europe will watch it with the same passion as always.

Frequently asked questions about the history of the European Championship

These are the questions fans ask most about the history of the European Championship.

When did the Euros begin?

In 1960. The Soviet Union won the first tournament in France, beating Yugoslavia 2-1 after extra time in the final in Paris.

Which country has won the Euros the most times?

Spain, with four titles: 1964, 2008, 2012 and 2024. Germany are next with three titles.

How many teams play at the Euros?

The finals have featured 24 teams since 2016. The first finals in 1960 had only four teams.

Who won the most recent Euros?

Spain, who beat England 2-1 in the 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on 14 July 2024.

Why was Euro 2020 played in 2021?

The tournament was postponed for one year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it kept the name Euro 2020.

What is the Panenka?

It is a chipped penalty down the middle. It is named after Antonín Panenka, who won the 1976 final for Czechoslovakia with one against West Germany.

Conclusion

The history of the European Championship runs from the Soviet Union’s first title in France in 1960. Finally, it ends with Spain’s record fourth title in 2024. Spain’s four titles set the standard, and Germany’s six finals show how hard the tournament is to win. In short, from four teams in 1960 to 24 teams in 2024, the Euros have grown into Europe’s greatest football event. For more football stories, visit our Sports News page. Follow the next matches on our free live scores page. See ideas for upcoming matches on our free football predictions page.