Everything There is to Know About The Next European Championship: Teams, Format, and Betting Tips

2024 was exciting for fans of European football, as the UEFA European Football Championship or simply Euros took place. Now, three years prior to the next tournament, nations are preparing their teams to represent them at the international stage, while enthusiasts begin to speculate on the competition’s outcome. 

What Happened in the Previous UEFA Euro?

The UEFA Euro 2024, the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship, was a thrilling international football tournament hosted by Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024. This championship, organized by UEFA, brought together 24 European men's national teams from their member associations to compete for the coveted title.

A notable highlight of the tournament was the debut of Georgia, marking their first-ever appearance in a European Championship, a significant milestone for their footballing history.

The competition culminated in a highly anticipated final match where Spain faced off against England. In a hard-fought contest, Spain emerged victorious, defeating England with a score of 2-1. Nico Williams opened the scoring for Spain in the 47th minute, followed by Mikel Oyarzabal's decisive goal in the 86th. Cole Palmer briefly leveled for England with just over 15 minutes remaining.

On platforms, such as Sportsbet.io, Spain was widely considered the favorite to win. The squad led by coach Luis de la Fuente played an attacking brand of football, leading in goals scored and winning all seven matches, with only one requiring extra time. Throughout their path to victory, the Spanish faced strong teams, including Italy, hosts Germany, France, and England. 

Overall, this triumph was a historic moment for Spain, as they secured their record fourth UEFA European Championship title, solidifying their status as one of the most successful nations in the tournament's history. 

The Long Process to the UEFA Euro 2028: Selecting Hosts and Venues

Prior to the Euro 2028, participating nations have engaged in a distinct bid process, qualification pathway, and a selection of prominent venues across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

Initially, three proposals were made. Russia's bid was swiftly declared ineligible by UEFA due to existing sanctions. Turkey, another contender, eventually withdrew its solo bid to concentrate on a joint effort with Italy for Euro 2032. This left the uncontested joint bid from England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This "five-nation" proposal was unanimously selected by UEFA on October 10, 2023, in Nyon, Switzerland, marking a significant moment for football in the British Isles and Ireland.

The tournament will be hosted across ten venues, with a selection of stadiums chosen to showcase the event. While an initial shortlist included twelve stadiums, the final list includes iconic grounds like Wembley Stadium in London, Hampden Park in Glasgow, and the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. 

Significant stadiums such as Old Trafford and Anfield were not included in the final selection. Casement Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, was also initially part of the bid but was later removed from the final list due to uncertainties surrounding its redevelopment. The chosen venues are spread across eight host cities, ensuring broad geographical representation.

UEFA Euro 2028 and The Format Approved by The Executive Committee

The qualification system for UEFA EURO 2028 was recently confirmed by the UEFA Executive Committee. mirroring the current 2024-26 European Qualifiers, the system will feature twelve qualifying groups, each comprising four or five teams. Notably, the four host nations (England, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) will also participate in the qualifying process, each drawn into separate groups.

A total of 20 teams will secure direct qualification to the final tournament: the 12 group winners and the 8 best runners-up from the qualifying group stage. In a unique provision for the host nations, two spots in the final tournament are reserved for the two best-ranked host nations who do not qualify directly as group winners or best runners-up.

The remaining tournament spots will be determined through a series of play-offs. These play-offs will involve the remaining runners-up from the qualifying groups and the best-ranked non-qualified group winners from the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The number of play-off spots, ranging from two to four, will depend on how many of the reserved host nation slots are utilized. 

Depending on the scenario, the play-offs will feature either two paths for two spots, three paths for three spots, or four home-and-away ties for four spots, each with single-leg semi-finals and finals. The full tournament schedule and regulations are expected to be released in autumn and by the end of 2025, respectively.

Who Will Win The Euro 2028? What Early Forecasts Say 

In 2025, it is still too early to precisely identify the Euro 2028 favorites or even attempt to predict the winning team. Yet, looking back at the history of the international competition, four teams have earned more victories than the rest. 

Spain: Record Breakers

The 2024 champions currently hold the record for the most Euro Cup titles with four championships. Their first triumph came in 1964 on home soil. A golden era followed in the late 2000s and early 2010s, as Spain won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2012, showcasing a dominant "tiki-taka" style11 of play. 

Germany: Consistent Powerhouse

Germany boasts three Euro Cup titles, consistently reaching the latter stages of the tournament. As West Germany, they secured victories in 1972 and 1980. Following reunification, Germany continued their success, clinching the title in 1996. Their consistent presence in finals and semi-finals underscores their enduring strength in European football.

Italy: Two-Time Champions

Italy has twice lifted the coveted Henri Delaunay Trophy. Their first victory arrived in 1968 when they hosted the tournament. More recently, Italy demonstrated their resilience and tactical prowess by winning Euro 2020 (played in 2021 due to the pandemic), defeating England in a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley.

France: Home Soil Success and Golden Goals

France has also claimed the Euro Cup on two occasions. Their first triumph came in 1984 as hosts, led by the legendary Michel Platini. Sixteen years later, France secured their second title in Euro 2000, with a dramatic golden goal victory over Italy in the final, highlighting their flair and championship pedigree.

Top Tips for Betting on the UEFA Euro 2028

Before venturing into the world of UEFA Euro bets, it is essential to be informed about the odds offered by sportsbooks as well as the different betting markets. 

Knowing How to Read Euro Odds

Firstly, understanding Euro odds is essential. It helps the better grasp his or her bets and estimate potential payouts. Platforms often offer various odd formats to suit different bettors, including the ones listed below. 

• Decimal Odds (European): These represent the total potential return, including your initial stake. Displayed as a decimal (e.g., 2.50), if you bet $100 at 2.50 odds, a successful bet returns $250 ($100 stake + $150 profit).

• American Odds (Moneyline): These show potential profit or loss for a wager. Positive odds (e.g., +150) indicate the profit for a $100 bet. Negative odds (e.g., -120) show the amount you need to bet to win $100.

• Hong Kong Odds: These odds are determined by their proximity to 1. Odds below 1 indicate favorites, while those above 1 signify underdogs. To calculate payout, add 1 to the odds and multiply by your bet amount. For example, a $100 bet at 0.5 odds yields a $150 payout ($100 bet * (0.5 + 1)).

Understanding Head-to-Head Statistics

Head-to-head statistics offer valuable insights that significantly influence betting choices. By looking at historical team performance, the bettor can spot patterns and playing style11s that have proven effective against specific opponents. These statistics also illustrate historical rivalries and individual player matchups, which are particularly useful for bets focused on individual players.