The UEFA European Championship stands as one of the premier events in international football, and the journey to UEFA Euro 2028 is already stirring up excitement across Europe. As top teams start preparing for qualification, numerous narratives are emerging—from front-runners and potential surprise packages to evolving tactics and team dynamics. This blog will delve into these aspects, offering a glimpse of what we can expect from one of the most anticipated tournaments in the footballing world.
Qualification Path: What to Expect
The qualification journey for Euro 2028 will be more than just a fight for the coveted spots in the final tournament. With fierce competition across Europe, the qualification process will see 24 teams battling it out. Teams will compete in group stages, with the leading sides securing automatic qualification, while others will fight for a place via playoffs. This promises to create a high-stakes atmosphere as teams strive to ensure their spot in the tournament.
Early Favorites: Which Teams Are Likely to Shine?
France – The Continued Evolution of a Powerhouse: France enters the race for Euro 2028 with a squad brimming with talent, including the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and N Golo Kante. After finishing as runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, France remains one of the primary favorites for the Euro 2028 title. Their rich footballing heritage, combined with a robust youth pipeline, makes them one of the most formidable teams to watch. Under the guidance of Didi-er Deschamps, expect a balanced and tactically sharp team ready to challenge for the top honors.
England – Can South-gate Build on Past Successes: England’s memorable runs to the semifinals in the 2018 World Cup and second place in Euro 2020 have set high expectations for the national team. With stars like Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Bu-kayo Saka, the team boasts incredible depth. England’s tactical approach, blending solid defense with attacking flair, positions them as one of the favorites.
Germany – A Fresh Start Under Flick: After a disappointing 2022 World Cup exit, Germany is focused on rebuilding under Hansi Flick. The team has an intriguing blend of seasoned professionals, such as Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer, and a promising new generation led by Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich. Germany’s high-pressing, possession-based style will make them a tough competitor, and with Flick’s tactical acumen, they could make a significant impact in Euro 2028.
Spain – A Blend of Youth and Tactical Innovation: Spain has shifted its focus to a younger, more dynamic squad following their dominant years in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The emergence of young talents like Gavi, Pedri, and Ansu Fati has reinvigorated Spain’s play, moving away from their trademark tiki-taka in favor of a more direct and attacking style. The combination of youth and experience positions Spain as a dark horse that could surprise many in the tournament.
Italy – Defending Champions Ready for More: After winning Euro 2020, Italy will be keen to defend their title. While they face the challenge of rebuilding following their failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, their core group of players—such as Federico Chiesa and Nicolo Barella—still represents a powerful unit. Italy’s tactical discipline and strong counter-attacking strategy will ensure they remain tough to beat in Euro 2028.
Underdogs to Watch: Who Could Surprise?
While the established footballing giants take center stage, international tournaments often see surprise teams that challenge the expected outcome. Euro 2028 could bring new stories.
Belgium – A Final Push for the Golden Generation: Belgium’s “Golden Generation” has been on the verge of glory for years but has yet to win a major tournament. With key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois still at their peak, this might be Belgium’s final opportunity for success. Despite the age of some squad members, their undeniable talent and tactical discipline will keep them in the conversation as contenders for the title.
Portugal – A New Era After Ronaldo: As Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career winds down, Portugal’s focus has shifted to a new generation of stars. Players like Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes, and Diogo Jota are leading the way, with the team boasting a balanced squad with attacking prowess. Under manager Roberto Martinez, Portugal could make a deep run, relying on their versatility and strong tactical foundation to challenge for Euro 2028.
Netherlands – A Rising Force: After a strong World Cup showing in 2022, the Netherlands is looking to make a significant mark on Euro 2028. With a mix of experienced stars, such as Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong, alongside youthful talent, the Dutch side has the potential to surprise. Their tactical approach, emphasizing possession and high pressing, could make them a team to watch closely.
Turkey – A Dark Horse in the Making: Turkey has quietly assembled a competitive squad in recent years, with players like Hakan Çalhanoglu and Burak Yılmaz leading the charge. Coupled with emerging talents such as Cengiz under and Ozan Kabak, Turkey could be a surprise package in Euro 2028. If they continue their upward trajectory and find consistency, they could pose a serious challenge to the established powers.
Tactical Trends to Keep an Eye On
Football tactics continue to evolve, and Euro 2028 will likely see new trends that influence how teams approach the competition:
High-Pressing and Counter-Pressing: Teams like France, Germany, and Spain are focusing on high-pressing strategies, attempting to win back possession quickly. This aggressive approach forces opponents into mistakes and creates attacking opportunities, ensuring that Euro 2028 will feature fast, intense matches.
Positional Play and Flexibility: The rigid tactical formations of the past are being replaced by more fluid positional play. Players are expected to adapt quickly to changing positions during matches. This evolving trend, led by Spain and the Netherlands, will add an exciting dimension to the way teams organize themselves on the field.
Dynamic Wing Play and Fullbacks: The role of overlapping fullbacks and wide play has gained prominence, providing teams with width and creativity. Players like Kieran Trippier (England) and Joao Cancelo (Portugal) will be crucial in breaking down opposition defenses, adding a new attacking edge to their teams’ tactics.
Data-Driven Tactical Decisions: As analytic s and technology become a bigger part of football, expect teams to increasingly rely on data to shape their tactical decisions. From assessing player performance to fine-tuning match strategies, data will play a growing role in how teams approach Euro 2028.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to Euro 2028
The journey to UEFA Euro 2028 is underway, and anticipation is already building. While traditional powerhouses like France, England, and Germany will enter the tournament as favorites, the stage is set for potential surprises from underdogs such as Belgium, Portugal, and Turkey. With tactical evolution and emerging stars, Euro 2028 promises to be one of the most thrilling and competitive tournaments in recent memory. Fans across the globe can look forward to a dynamic and captivating spectacle as Europe’s elite teams fight for the ultimate continental glory.
