EURO 2020 will represent a landmark tournament for its 60th anniversary.
Next year’s competition will include 24 teams – up eight from previous years – but the biggest change is the one-off decision to have ‘host cities’ instead of one country.
Wembley will be one of the main venues for Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
What countries are hosting Euro 2020?
More than one nation hosting the major tournament is not a new concept with Poland and Ukraine sharing the duties in 2012.
But next year’s edition will instead have 12 ‘host cities’, which is spread out across Europe.
This will be only a one-off to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the tournament – then known as European Nations’ Cup.
The stadiums that will host the competition are as follows:
- Wembley Stadium – London, England
- Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
- Stadio Olimpico – Rome, Italy
- Olympic Stadium – Baku, Azerbaijan
- Krestovsky Stadium – Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Arena Nationala – Bucharest, Romania
- Johan Cruyff Arena – Amsterdam, Holland
- Aviva Stadium – Dublin, Ireland
- San Mames – Bilbao, Spain
- Puskas Arena – Budapest, Hungary
- Hampden Park – Glasgow, Scotland
- Parken Stadium – Copenhagen, Denmark
With the numerous amount of countries involved, there will be no automatic qualification spots for nations.
That means that Wembley will still host matches, even if England fail to qualify for the tournament.
Will Wembley host the final?
Wembley Stadium is being seen as the grandest of stages in the tournament, with the 90,000-seater stadium set to host the final on July 12, 2020.
Because of the travelling involved in reaching each country, the semi-finals will also be held at the Home of Football in England.
Prior to those, Wembley will play host to three group matches, of which the Three Lions are likely to be involved in if they qualify – along with a Round of 16 clash.
Scotland’s Hampden Park will hold three group fixtures and a Round of 16 tie.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
