Euro 2020

The 2020 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as UEFA Euro 2020 or simply Euro 2020, was the 16th UEFA European Championship, the quadrennial international men's football championship of Europe organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). To celebrate the diamond jubilee of the European Championship competition, UEFA president Michel Platini declared that the tournament would be hosted in several nations as a "romantic" one-off event, with 11 cities in 11 UEFA countries each providing venues for the tournament, making it the second senior international tournament in history after the 2007 AFC Asian Cup to have more than two nations co-hosting it.

Portugal were the defending champions, but were eliminated in the round of 16 by Belgium. Italy won their second European Championship title by beating England on penalties in the final following a 1–1 draw after extra time. The win came exactly on the 39th anniversary of Italy's 1982 FIFA World Cup final victory over West Germany.

The tournament was originally intended to be played between 12 June and 12 July 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions during that year, the tournament was postponed to June and July 2021, while retaining the name UEFA Euro 2020 and host venues. Alongside special rules regarding COVID-19 restrictions, UEFA also allowed two extra substitutions and implemented video assistant referee (VAR) for the first time. Initially, there were 13 venues chosen for the tournament but two were later dropped. Brussels was dropped in December 2017 after the city's Eurostadium was abandoned, while Dublin was dropped in April 2021 because there was no guarantee that spectators could attend. Spain originally intended to use Bilbao as a host venue but later changed it to Seville to allow for spectators at matches. UEFA chose Stadio Olimpico in Rome to host the opening match between Italy and Turkey, while Wembley Stadium in London was selected as a semi-final and final venue for the second time, following the 1996 tournament at the original stadium of the same name.

The tournament was well received by fans and commentators, with the most goals per game in a European Championship since the introduction of the group stage, and only two goalless games. The refereeing style was also praised, with a conservative use of VAR and quick decisions made on the pitch.

The UEFA Euro 2020, originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was a landmark edition of Europe's premier international soccer tournament. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the European Championship, this unique tournament was held across 11 host cities in 11 different countries, showcasing the continent's rich soccer culture and diversity.

From June 11 to July 11, 2021, 24 national teams competed for the coveted Henri Delaunay Trophy, with matches taking place in iconic stadiums from London’s Wembley to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. The tournament featured thrilling group stage matches, intense knockout rounds, and unforgettable moments, as teams battled for glory on the grand stage.

Fans were treated to a festival of soccer, with standout performances from star players, emerging talents, and unforgettable upsets. The tournament culminated in a dramatic final, where Italy triumphed over England in a tense penalty shootout, securing their second European Championship title.

Euro 2020 not only highlighted the passion and skill of European soccer but also served as a symbol of resilience and unity in the face of global challenges, bringing fans together to celebrate the beautiful game.