Euro 2012

The European Football Championship (aka Euro) is a continental football competition held every 4 years for European nations, organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). It was originally called the European Nations Cup, changing to the name European Football Championship in 1968. The tournament is considered the 2nd-most important competition among national teams, based on European and worldwide fame, after the FIFA World Cup. Specific championships are often referred to in the form "Euro 2008" or whichever year is appropriate. Since the expansion of the final tournament starting in 1980, the host country or countries qualify automatically. There are 16 teams in the tournament, from 2016 onwards 24 teams will participate.