The UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the UEFA Under-21 Championship or simply the Euro Under-21, is a biennial football competition contested by the European men's under-21 national teams of the UEFA member associations. Since 1992, the competition also serves as the UEFA qualification tournament for the Summer Olympics.

Italy and Spain are the most successful teams in the tournament's history, having won five titles each. England are the current champions, having beaten Spain 1–0 in the 2023 final.

History

Trophy of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship

The competition has existed in its current form since 1978. It was preceded by the Under-23 Challenge Cup which ran from 1967 to 1970. From the teams that applied for participation, two teams were selected by lot. These teams in the match between themselves revealed the winner of the main trophy. The winner was obliged to play with those teams that called him to the next meeting. These matches were initially held no more than once every three months, starting from the fourth tournament - in spring and autumn. In the event that several teams challenged the winner, the order of opponents was determined by lot. The cup holder was allowed to play games at home. Only two teams held that trophy: Bulgaria and Yugoslavia. In 1970, the tournament was replaced by the European Youth Championship.

A true Under-23 championship was then formed, starting in 1973. The tournament ran parallel to the existing main UEFA youth tournament that existed after the World War II (today the under-19 competitions). Around 1980, the UEFA reformed its junior squad competitions and reorganized them based on age limit only.

The age limit was reduced to 21 for the 1978 championship and it has remained so since. To be eligible for the campaign ending in 2025, players must be born in 2002 or later. Many may actually be 23 years old by the time of the final tournament; however, when the qualification process began (2023), all players would have been 21 or under.

Under-21 matches were typically played on the day before senior internationals and where possible, the same qualifying groups and fixtures were played out. This has changed since the 2006 edition.

The tournament's record attendance was set during the knockout stage of the 2023 edition, when 44,338 spectators gathered for the match between hosts Georgia and Israel.

**European U21 Championship Qualifiers**

The European U21 Championship Qualifiers is an exhilarating tournament that showcases the brightest young talents in European football. This prestigious competition serves as the pathway for national teams to secure their place in the highly anticipated UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Held every two years, the qualifiers feature teams from across the continent, competing in a series of intense matches that test their skills, teamwork, and determination. Young players, typically under the age of 21, have the opportunity to represent their countries on an international stage, making it a crucial stepping stone in their football careers.

The tournament format includes a series of group stages followed by knockout rounds, where teams battle for points and pride. Fans can expect thrilling displays of skill, speed, and strategy as emerging stars showcase their potential and vie for a chance to compete against the best in Europe.

With a rich history of producing world-class players, the European U21 Championship Qualifiers not only highlight the future of football but also foster a spirit of camaraderie and competition among nations. As teams strive for qualification, the tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments and inspire the next generation of footballers. Join us in celebrating the passion and talent of young athletes as they aim for glory on the road to the European U21 Championship!