UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Under-21 EURO: Competition format

Held every two years, the UEFA European Under-21 Championship consists of a qualifying group stage, play-offs and a 16-team final tournament.

The trophy
The trophy Getty Images

Qualifying is open to all UEFA member associations. Teams initially compete in a qualifying group stage, with some joining the hosts in the finals direct and others going through play-offs.

The final tournament, expanded to 16 teams from 2021 and held every two years, consists of four groups of four. Sides play each other once, with the four group winners and four runners-up reaching the quarter-finals. There will is a standard knockout format from there.

Regulations
The Regulations of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship are initially drawn up by the UEFA administration before being submitted to the UEFA National Team Competitions Committee. They are then forwarded upon that committee's approval to the UEFA Executive Committee for ratification.

Players are eligible for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship if they were born on, or after, 1 January 2000.