In less than one month, one of the biggest international tournaments will be kicking off. Known simply as the Euro 2016 tournament, it’s a quadrennial affair that will be taking place in France this summer.
The first match will feature Les Bleus versus Romania on June 10th at the Stade de France, and conclude with the final on July 10th at the same stadium. Ten cities across France will be playing host to all 51 games for this much anticipated month-long tournament. This will also be France’s third time hosting the Euro tournament (they previously did so in 1960 and 1984).
What channels will be broadcasting the Euro 2016 Online or on TV?
Whether you are based in the UK, USA, Canada, or any of the major European countries, LiveSoccerTV.com is here to make sure you do not miss out on any of the action - whether it's via TV, computer, phone, or tablet. Below you will find some of the confirmed broadcasters for this summer's big tournament:
- In the USA: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3, WatchESPN, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes Radio, Sling TV
- In the UK: BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC Wales, BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Radio 5 Live, ITV
- In France: TF1, M6, beIN Sports, TMC
- In Germany: ARD, ZDF, SAT.1, Ran.de
- In Italy: Sky Italia, RAI
- In Ireland: RTE, TV3
- In Portugal (all times in WET): RTP, SportTV
A brief history of the Euro tournament
The first Euro tournament took place in 1960, which featured 17 qualifying teams, and ultimately four sides. The former Soviet Union ended up winning this inaugural tournament, which was hosted in France.
It was not until 1980 that the tournament expanded to eight teams. 16 years later, UEFA opted to further increase the number of participants to the 16 we all knew it as, up until this year’s edition when they chose to widen the group even further.
Rapid growth: How the Euro tournament has grown over the past 56 years (UEFA.com)
Spain are currently the reigning champions heading into this tournament. The last time a country hosted the Euro and won was France, back in 1984.
A list of the winners and hosts, dating back to 1960 until 2012 (photo courtesy of UEFA.com)
Who's who at Euro 2016
For the first time, this Euro tournament will feature 24 sides. Among this expanded group includes several nations making their debuts, including Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Iceland, and Wales. In addition, there are several ambitious sides, including Belgium, Poland, Croatia, and Sweden hoping to make their mark in France as they seek to establish their footing on the bigger stage.
Meanwhile, there will be, of course, the usual sides returning for this high profile tournament.
Reigning champions Spain will be hoping to redeem themselves in the international arena after a disappointing and embarrassing World Cup that saw them crashing out in the group stage. La Furia Roja can also make it an unprecedented third consecutive Euro title with a win in France this summer. Last edition’s runners up Italy are also hoping for their own redemption following their own poor showing in Brazil two years ago.
Hosts France are seeking to, naturally, clinch the trophy on home soil, and Germany, having won the World Cup are now aspiring to add another international trophy to their growing silverware cabinet. And will England finally be able to end their 50 year wait for an international title this summer?
The major players at Euro 2016
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gareth Bale, Wayne Rooney, Andres Iniesta, Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Eden Hazard are among the numerous players expected to make a huge impact at this summer's tournament.
For 34-year-old Ibrahimovic, who is coming off an impressive season with PSG, this could likely be his last international tournament with Sweden. As his country's all-time top goalscorer, and team's captain, he will be expected to help guide the Blågult through their tough quartet and perhaps beyond. Meanwhile, Real Madrid star Bale was instrumental in Wales securing their spot in the Euro tournament for the first time and his teammates will be looking to him for inspiration as they navigate their way through unfamiliar territory.
Both Muller and Lewandowski will be coming into this tournament having had an excellent season with Bayern Munich. The Polish ace finished Euro qualifiers as the top goalscorer and netted an impressive 30 Bundesliga goals for die Roten this term, whilst his German colleague won the World Cup in 2014 and will be eager to help his national teammates add a Euro title to their trophy haul this summer.
As for Griezmann and Pogba, these young rising stars have put in top notch performances for Atletico Madrid and Juventus respectively, and fans will be hoping that this will translate into success for Les Bleus as they host the Euro tournament for the third time.
Experienced midfielder Iniesta was a key part of Spain's success in 2008 and 2012, and will definitely be key if they want to become the first team to win three straight Euro titles this summer. Furthermore, should Spain manage to make it a fourth title, they will edge ahead of Germany and France, who have three and two Euro title wins respectively.
Hazard endured a rough season with Chelsea, and will be eager to redeem himself ahead of new coach Antonio Conte's arrival with a good showing for Belgium. And finally, Rooney, as captain for the Three Lions will need to lead by example. England have long endured frustration on the bigger stage and 50 years after their last triumph, supporters will be hoping to see this finally come to an end.
How the teams will square off at Euro 2016
This summer’s Euro tournament will feature six groups of four teams. The top two sides from each quartet will progress to the round of 16, whilst the best four third-placed teams will also gain a spot in the next round.
Here are the six groups featuring this summer:
- Group A: France, Switzerland, Romania, Albania
- Group B: England, Wales, Slovakia, Russia
- Group C: Germany, Poland, Northern Ireland, Ukraine
- Group D: Spain, Croatia, Czech Republic, Turkey
- Group E: Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Republic of Ireland
- Group F: Austria, Iceland, Hungary, Portugal
Where will Euro 2016 be taking place?
Ten cities across France will be the locations for this summer’s Euro 2016 tournament. For Ligue 1 fans, many of different stadiums are quite familiar, especially if one’s favorite team plays there on a weekly basis.
Here are the ten stadiums that will be hosting the 24 teams:
- Stade de France, Saint-Denis
- Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
- Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon
- Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille
- Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux
- Stadium Municipal, Toulouse
- Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens
- Allianz Riviera, Nice
- Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne
- Parc des Princes, Paris
