UEFA Euro 2016, officially the 2016 UEFA European Championship, was the 15th edition of UEFA’s flagship national-team tournament. It was staged in France from 10 June to 10 July 2016 and marked an important change in the competition’s format: for the first time, 24 teams took part instead of 16. That expansion gave more countries a place in the finals and created a longer knockout phase after the group stage.

The tournament brought together established powers and several teams making a strong impact at this level. The format began with six groups of four, followed by a round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. The revised structure also allowed some third-placed teams to advance, which increased the number of close matches and made the early rounds less predictable than in earlier European Championships.

Final and champion

Portugal won the title after defeating hosts France 1–0 after extra time in the final at Saint-Denis. The winning goal was scored by Éder, and the result gave Portugal its first major international trophy in men’s football. The victory was especially notable because Portugal did not win any of its group-stage matches, yet improved steadily in the knockout rounds and finished the tournament as champions.

France reached the final as the host nation and was widely expected to contend for the title. Portugal, meanwhile, played a more cautious and resilient style, relying on organization, defensive discipline, and timely contributions in key moments. The contrast between the finalists helped define the tournament’s final chapter.

Significance and legacy

Euro 2016 is remembered for both its expanded field and Portugal’s breakthrough triumph. It also served as a qualification path for the next global event: Portugal earned a place in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, held in Russia. Beyond the winner, the tournament is often discussed for its long summer schedule, the atmosphere in French stadiums, and the way the new 24-team format changed the rhythm of European Championship play.

  • Host nation: France
  • Dates: 10 June to 10 July 2016
  • Teams: 24
  • Champion: Portugal
  • Runner-up: France

As a result, UEFA Euro 2016 occupies a distinctive place in the tournament’s history: it was the first edition under the expanded format, and it produced one of Portugal’s most celebrated sporting achievements.