In 2016, history was made as the European Championships were expanded from 16 to 24 teams, allowing the chance for some of the continent’s more unheralded nations to strut their stuff on the grandest stage. Since then, six teams have made their continental bow, each with varying levels of success. And this year, there could be more.
Popular betting site DraftKings provides betting and bonuses on the Euros, including no-sweat first bet bonuses that can take the pressure of picking a team. They have made England the early favorites for a first major trophy since 1966. However, the qualification playoffs are yet to take place and, as such, there are still three places yet to be decided.Of the 12 teams scrapping it out, half of them have never featured at the continental showpiece. Estonia came close back in 2012, however, they were beaten by the Republic of Ireland in a playoff and haven’t come close since. They will have to find their way past Poland and then either Wales or Finland if they are to qualify.
Both Israel and Bosnia and Herzegovina have been drawn together in playoff path B. Should the former defeat Iceland and the latter defeat Ukraine, they will face off against each other, the winner heading to the European Championships for the first time. Finally, path C has no fewer than three teams looking to make their Euros debut, namely Georgia, Luxembourg and Kazakhstan. If one of them are to make it, they will have to defeat 2004 champions Greece.
Six teams have already made their Euros bow in the last eight years. Here they are.Iceland
Iceland’s journey to the 2016 Euros was a masterclass in overcoming odds. Despite the fierce competition, they secured their place through formidable team efforts and strategic discipline, finishing ahead of Turkey and the Netherlands in a difficult qualifying group. Once they were at the tournament proper, they made their presence felt. Iceland finished ahead of eventual champions Portugal in Group E to set up a Round of 16 tussle against England, a clash they would win in shocking fashion. Hosts France ultimately had too much for Iceland to handle in the quarterfinals, eventually winning 5-2.Northern Ireland
For the Green and White Army, marching to the Euros in 2016 was the fulfillment of a dream that many thought was unattainable. Overcoming the shadow of their more celebrated southern neighbors, Northern Ireland’s unity and resilience were key to their success. They too progressed to the knockout stages as one of the best-placed third-place teams, but ultimately lost to fellow British side Wales through a heartbreaking own goal from Gareth McAuley.Wales
The Welsh team’s journey to the Euros in 2016 ignited a revival that harked back to the generation of John Charles. With the electrifying presence of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey leading the charge, Wales’ finely balanced side injected passion and flair into the competition. They topped Group B ahead of rivals England, before knocking off Northern Ireland to set up a date with Belgium in the quarterfinals. There, they stunned one of the tournament’s favorites with a 3-1 victory. However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal proved too tough in the semifinals, triumphing 2-0 and punching their ticket to the Stade de France showpiece.Albania
The Albanian Eagles soared to new heights as they set foot on the Euro stage for the first time in 2016. Although they didn’t progress past the group stage, their presence on the Euro stage was just the beginning. They have qualified once again in 2024 after finishing above the Czech Republic and Poland, and are one of the tournament’s dark horses.Finland
Finland qualified for the Euros in 2020 for the first time in their history, triggering wild celebratory scenes all across the country. They finished ahead of former champions Greece to secure their spot and immediately laid down a marker when they defeated Denmark in their opening game of the tournament. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got. Defeats to both Russia and Belgium saw them eliminated at the group stage, but Finland may very well return this summer.North Macedonia
North Macedonia are the sixth and final team to make their debut at the tournament since its expansion. They defeated Georgia on enemy territory in a playoff thanks to a solitary goal from veteran striker Goran Pandev. He netted in the tournament proper once it got underway, scoring an equalizer against Austria in their opening game. They would eventually lose that match by three goals to one, as well as losing to both Ukraine and the Netherlands to seal their early exit.