2016 UEFA European Championship

2016 UEFA European Championship
source
Name	2016 UEFA European Championship
Other titles	UEFA Euro 2016
Country	France
Dates	10 June – 10 July 2016
Num teams	24
Venues	10
Champion	Portugal
Second	France
Matches	51
Goals	108
Top scorer	Antoine Griezmann (6)
Player	Eden Hazard

2016 UEFA European Championship was the 15th edition of the UEFA European Championship, a quadrennial international men's football tournament organized by UEFA. Held in France from 10 June to 10 July 2016, the competition featured 24 national teams and concluded with Portugal defeating France 1–0 after extra time in the final at the Stade de France. The tournament marked the first major international title for Cristiano Ronaldo's senior international career and introduced an expanded format that influenced subsequent UEFA competitions.

Background and bids

The decision to award hosting rights followed a bid process managed by UEFA's executive committee, which evaluated proposals from national associations including FFF, Turkey, Italy via the FIGC, and joint proposals such as Belgium/Netherlands. After assessment of stadia, transport, and security plans, UEFA selected France as host in 2010, succeeding hosts of previous tournaments like UEFA Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. The selection involved coordination with national bodies including the French Government, municipal authorities of Paris, and regional stakeholders such as officials from Lille, Marseille, and Lyon. Security concerns were heightened by contemporaneous events involving ISIL and incidents in Paris, November 2015, prompting cooperation among French Police, Gendarmerie, and UEFA.

Venues and host cities

Matches were played across ten stadia in nine cities: Stade de France (Saint-Denis), Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Décines-Charpieu), Stade Vélodrome (Marseille), Allianz Riviera (Nice), Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Lille), Stade de Bordeaux (Bordeaux), Parc Olympique Lyonnais (duplicate avoided), Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Étienne), Stade Municipal de Toulouse (Toulouse), and Stade Bollaert-Delelis (Lens). Host city selection reflected legacy planning tied to clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Olympique Lyonnais, and AS Saint-Étienne, and transport hubs including Charles de Gaulle. Venue upgrades involved collaboration with organizations like FFF and regional councils, and stadia hosted ceremonies similar to prior finals at venues like Wembley Stadium.

Teams and qualification

A record 24 teams qualified through a process administered by UEFA's qualifying competition, featuring groups of nations including Spain, Germany, England, Italy, and debutants such as Iceland and Northern Ireland. Qualification involved fixtures against nations such as Croatia, Netherlands, Turkey, and Republic of Ireland. The final tournament also included Switzerland, Wales, Belgium, Poland, and Portugal. Notable absences included Netherlands' failure to qualify and Greece's absence after prior success.

Tournament format and draw

The expansion to 24 teams followed formats used at FIFA World Cup tournaments, organized into six groups of four, with the top two of each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to a round of 16. The final draw, held under UEFA auspices, seeded participants using rankings influenced by results from UEFA Euro 2012, UEFA Euro 2008, and qualifying campaigns. Match officials included referees from bodies such as the FA, DFB, and FIGC, while video assistance debates involved stakeholders including IFAB and FIFA observers. Tournament regulations covered squad submission, substitution rules, and disciplinary measures enforced by UEFA disciplinary bodies.

Group stage

The group stage featured competitive pools where teams like Germany and Spain were grouped with nations such as Ukraine, Turkey, Czech Republic, and Republic of Ireland. Surprise performances occurred from Iceland—defeating England—and Wales, with players from clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Atlético Madrid starring. Group outcomes set up knockout ties reminiscent of fixtures seen in UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup knockouts.

Knockout phase

The round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals produced memorable matches, including Portugal's progression led by Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, France's path featuring Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba, and Wales's run highlighted by Gareth Bale. The semi-finals saw Portugal defeat Wales and France overcome Germany, setting a final at Stade de France where Éder scored the extra-time winner. The tournament concluded with a trophy presentation involving figures from UEFA leadership and national dignitaries.

Statistics and records

The competition produced 108 goals across 51 matches, with Antoine Griezmann finishing as top scorer and Eden Hazard awarded the Player of the Tournament. Records included Iceland's first appearance and Wales' best finish since European Championship history, while Portugal claimed their first major title. The tournament influenced subsequent editions in terms of format, commercial partnerships with organizations like Adidas and broadcasters including BBC and TF1, and discussions within UEFA about tournament expansion, refereeing technology, and security protocols. Category:UEFA European Championship tournaments