Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has broken his silence to defend the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) amid fallout from the collapsed Finalissima between La Roja and Argentina, with the manager placing responsibility for the fixture's collapse on the South American nation. The match, which would have pitted the European champions against the world champions, never materialised despite months of planning.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has sensationally declared Argentina "two-time champions" of the Finalissima. The South American chief hit out at Spain and UEFA after the highly anticipated clash between the continental kings was officially scrapped.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has reportedly been left disappointed after the 2026 Finalissima was officially called off. The Inter Miami talisman viewed the showpiece event against Euro 2024 winners Spain as a vital competitive fixture rather than a mere exhibition match. The game was due to take place later this month but has been cancelled due to geopolitical issues.
Football fans will be denied a dream showdown between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal after the 2026 Finalissima between Argentina and Spain was officially cancelled. Following the forced relocation of the fixture from Qatar due to geopolitical issues, a complete breakdown in negotiations saw the Argentinian FA reject multiple UEFA proposals - including a clash at the Bernabeu - leaving the highly anticipated meeting of champions scrapped over unresolvable scheduling conflicts.
Who has won the most European Championship titles?
Spain are the most successful side in the European Championship, having lifted the coveted title four times. Their first-ever title came in 1964. After a long wait of 44 years, La Roja won the trophy in 2008 and successfully defended it in 2012 under the-then boss Vicente del Bosque. They won the most recent edition in 2024 and set a record of winning every single game en route to glory.
How many teams are in the European Championship?
There are 24 teams in the European Championships ever since the expansion in 2016. Initially there were only four teams in the Euros, before that number was doubled to eight in 1980, and then to 16 countries in 1996.
Who has made the most European Championship appearances ever?
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo has made 30 appearances in the European Championship, having featured in six consecutive editions. He won the tournament in 2016.
Who is the all-time top scorer in the European Championship?
No player has scored more goals in the European Championship than the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. The 39-year-old has scored 14 goals in 30 games in total, five more than any other player.
Who is the oldest player ever in the European Championship and how old was he?
Portugal centre-back Pepe was aged 41 years and 130 days when his team took on France in the quarter-final of the 2024 edition, thus becoming the oldest player to ever feature in the European Championship.
Who is the youngest player ever in the European Championship and how old was he?
Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal has been creating a host of records since breaking out at Barcelona in 2023. He was a crucial contributor in Spain's EURO 2024 victory, and also became the youngest player ever to feature in the European Championship finals, making his debut in the tournament at the age of 16 years and 338 days.
Which famous players have played in the European Championship?
Paolo Maldini, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Manuel Neuer, Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas, Eden Hazard, Michel Platini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Gareth Bale are some of the most prominent names to have represented their nations at the European Championship.
Which famous managers have managed in the European Championship?
Roberto Mancini, Ronald Koeman, Guus Hiddink, Dino Zoff, Antonio Conte, Andriy Shevchenko, Luis Enrique, Miguel Munoz, Kevin Keegan, Frank Rijkaard, Arrigo Sacchi, Julian Nagelsmann, etc are some of the most famous managers to have managed in the European Championship.