UEFA:"Executive Committee praised the competitiveness of the championship in its new 24-team format"

"The Executive Committee praised the competitiveness of the championship in its new 24-team format," said UEFA after a meeting in Paris (FRA), on 09/07/2016, on the eve of the final of Euro 2016, won by Portugal (1-0, after extra time against, France) at the Stade de France (Saint-Denis), on 10/07/2016.

Euro 2016 was the first edition to welcome 24 teams (51 games) into the group stage. Between 1996-2012 the final phase of the competition brought together 16 teams (31 games), against eight previously (15 games).

"(The Executive Committee...) expressed its thanks to all those involved in the successful organisation and running of the competition; in particular the French host cities and authorities, and the 6,500 volunteers who were instrumental in the success of UEFA EURO 2016," added UEFA.

"We have seen exceptional matches as well as tight matches. We believe that this new format has been a success, both in the qualifiers and in the finals. There will be 24 teams at Euro 2020 (hosted in 13 cities in thirteen countries across the UEFA territorial zone). For the 2024 edition, we'll…