Who Won the UEFA Euro 2024?

UEFA Euro 2024 gave football fans a summer to remember. The tournament was full of tight games, late goals, brave defending, and young stars who rose to the moment. The big question everyone asked at the end was simple: Who won the UEFA Euro 2024? The answer is Spain. They defeated England 2-1 in the final in Berlin and lifted their fourth European Championship title, the most in history. In this guide, we will explain what happened in the final, how Spain got there, how England fought to the end, who the standout players were, and why this win matters. Whether you watched every minute or you are new to international football, this beginner-friendly breakdown will catch you up quickly and clearly.

Quick Answer: Spain Won UEFA Euro 2024

Spain won UEFA Euro 2024, beating England 2-1 in the final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on 14 July 2024. Nico Williams opened the scoring early in the second half, England equalized through Cole Palmer, and Mikel Oyarzabal scored a late winner to give Spain the trophy. It was a fast, intense match between two well-organized teams, but Spain’s creativity and control in key moments made the difference.

With this victory, Spain became the first nation to win four European Championships (1964, 2008, 2012, 2024), moving ahead of Germany’s three. Spain also won every single match at Euro 2024, a rare and impressive feat in a tournament full of strong teams.

The Final at a Glance

Final Scoreline and Goal Timeline

Spain 2–1 England. After a cautious first half, the game ignited in the second. Nico Williams finished a sharp move shortly after the break to put Spain 1-0 up. England responded with a fine strike by substitute Cole Palmer to make it 1-1. In the closing minutes, Mikel Oyarzabal found space in the box and guided a low finish into the net for 2-1. England pushed hard for another equalizer, but Spain held firm until the final whistle.

How the Match Unfolded

The first half was tense. Spain had more of the ball and looked dangerous on the wings, while England stayed compact and waited for counterattacks. The game’s speed increased after halftime. Spain kept stretching the pitch wide, and that pressure finally broke England’s shape for the opener. England’s substitutions brought fresh energy, especially from the right side, and Palmer’s crisp finish gave them real hope. In the end, Spain’s late goal came from another quick, precise move that cut through the lines. Once ahead again, Spain used experience and smart game management to see it out.

Key Turning Points and Manager Decisions

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente trusted his young wingers to take risks and be direct. That bravery paid off. When England manager Gareth Southgate introduced Cole Palmer, the game changed for a spell—England had more shots and forced Spain deeper. But Spain’s bench also made an impact, with Oyarzabal’s clever movement proving decisive. Both managers showed calm under pressure, but Spain’s substitutions had the final say.

Spain’s Road to the Trophy

Group Stage: Strong Style from the Start

Spain played with confidence from the first whistle of the tournament. They topped their group with three wins out of three: 3-0 against Croatia, 1-0 against Italy, and 1-0 against Albania. The Croatia match stood out for fast, smooth passing and clinical finishing. Against Italy, Spain dominated chances and forced an own goal with constant pressure. The third game, versus Albania, showed squad depth and defensive stability.

From these games, it was clear that Spain had a balanced plan: control the midfield, use speed on the wings, and stay compact when defending. They were not only keeping the ball; they were also moving forward aggressively.

Knockout Stage: Ruthless but Composed

Round of 16: Spain beat Georgia 4-1. After an early own goal put them behind, Spain stayed calm, played their way back, and scored four. It proved they could handle setbacks and still dominate.

Quarterfinal: Spain edged the host nation Germany 2-1 after extra time. It was a heavyweight battle with big chances and late drama. Dani Olmo put Spain ahead, Germany equalized late, and Spain found a winner near the end of extra time. This victory gave Spain huge belief—they had overcome the hosts in a high-pressure environment.

Semifinal: Spain beat France 2-1. France scored first, but then 16-year-old Lamine Yamal produced a stunning long-range goal to level the match. Minutes later, Dani Olmo fired Spain ahead. Spain then protected their lead with mature defending and smart possession.

What Made Spain Different This Time

Spain’s earlier golden era was built on patient passing. This Spain still values control, but they add more pace and direct running. With wide players like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, they could attack quickly and stretch defenses. In midfield, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz guided the team with calm passing and strong positioning. At the back, Spain were organized and confident under pressure. It was a complete team, combining experience and youth in a modern, effective way.

England’s Journey to the Final

Group Stage: Solid but Searching

England topped Group C but faced criticism for not creating enough chances. They beat Serbia 1-0, drew 1-1 with Denmark, and drew 0-0 with Slovenia. The team looked secure defensively but struggled to find rhythm in attack. Still, they collected the points needed to move on, and that foundation kept them alive as the tournament grew tougher.

Knockout Stage Highlights: Drama and Determination

Round of 16: England 2-1 after extra time against Slovakia. They were seconds from elimination when Jude Bellingham scored an overhead kick in stoppage time. Harry Kane then scored early in extra time. It was a comeback that showed England’s spirit.

Quarterfinal: England drew 1-1 with Switzerland and won on penalties. Bukayo Saka’s goal was vital, and Jordan Pickford made the key save in the shootout. England’s penalty takers were calm and clinical.

Semifinal: England beat the Netherlands 2-1. After falling behind, Kane equalized from the penalty spot. Late in the match, substitute Ollie Watkins scored a brilliant winner. England’s bench made a huge difference, proving the depth of the squad.

What England Did Well and Where They Fell Short

England were mentally strong. They handled pressure, came back from losing positions, and kept finding a way to advance. Their defense was well disciplined for most of the tournament, and their substitutes often changed games. But in open play, they sometimes moved the ball too slowly, which made it hard to break down compact defenses. In the final, they improved after the changes, yet Spain’s sharper combinations and wing play edged the key moments.

Star Performers and Major Awards

Player of the Tournament

Rodri of Spain was named the Player of the Tournament. He controlled matches with simple, smart passing and excellent positioning. When Spain needed calm, he provided it. When they needed a quick switch of play or a line-breaking pass, he delivered. His leadership in midfield was the foundation for Spain’s success.

Golden Boot and Young Player Honors

Dani Olmo won the tournament’s top scorer award with three goals and important contributions in the biggest matches. He stepped up when Spain needed a spark and combined well with teammates around the box. His timing and technique were key in the knockout stage, especially against Germany and France.

Lamine Yamal of Spain won the Young Player of the Tournament. At only 16, he showed incredible confidence, skill, and decision-making. His long-range equalizer against France was one of the goals of the tournament. He also created chances throughout the competition and played with maturity far beyond his age.

Final’s Player of the Match

Nico Williams was widely recognized as the Player of the Match in the final. He stretched England’s defense with his pace and dribbling, scored the opening goal, and stayed dangerous every time he received the ball. His direct running is a big reason Spain’s attack was so effective.

Tactics in Simple Terms

How Spain Played

Spain used a balanced, modern style. They were comfortable keeping the ball, but they were not slow. When space opened, they attacked quickly. Their full-backs supported the wingers, the midfield stayed connected, and the front line made clever runs. The key idea was to control the middle, pull the opponent out of shape, and then attack the spaces on the wings or between defenders.

How England Set Up

England focused on structure, defensive security, and picking the right moments to attack. They used flexible roles for players like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, who drifted into pockets of space. When England needed more speed and directness, Gareth Southgate turned to his bench. That approach worked in the semis against the Netherlands and nearly brought them back in the final.

The Battle in Midfield and Wide Areas

Midfield control decided many matches at Euro 2024. Spain’s Rodri and Fabián Ruiz set the tempo. England countered with energy and physicality, but Spain’s positioning and passing angles usually gave them a slight edge. On the wings, Spain’s one-on-one ability often created the decisive moments. The final followed this pattern: control in the middle and breakthroughs from wide areas.

Records, Firsts, and Fun Facts

Spain became the first nation to win four European Championships. This win added to their titles from 1964, 2008, and 2012, and confirmed their return to the top of international football. It also showed how well they have blended a new generation with a few experienced heads.

Spain won all of their matches at Euro 2024, a perfect campaign in a long, demanding tournament. In an era where most games are tight and many go to extra time or penalties, this is a remarkable achievement. Their consistency, from the group stage to the final, was unmatched.

Lamine Yamal set records as the youngest player to appear in a European Championship and made a huge impact with goals and assists. His composure in big moments made him a symbol of Spain’s new era. Dani Olmo’s scoring bursts in the knockout stage highlighted Spain’s depth and timing.

The Atmosphere and the Host Nation

Germany hosted Euro 2024, and the atmosphere across the country was electric. The final was played at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Fans from many nations filled the stadiums and fan zones, creating a friendly, festive mood. The organization was smooth, the venues were world-class, and the football matched the occasion.

The final had all the drama fans hope for: early tension, tactical adjustments, big individual moments, and a late winner. Both sets of fans were loud and passionate. The event felt big because it was big—not just a game, but a celebration of European football after a long season at club level and years of buildup.

What This Win Means for Spain

Spain’s victory confirms a powerful rebuild. After their early exit at the 2022 World Cup, the team found a new balance under coach Luis de la Fuente. They kept the principles of ball control but added speed and risk in the final third. The result is a side that can dominate possession and also hurt you quickly in transition.

For the players, this win is a launching pad. Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo, and Mikel Oyarzabal showed leadership and end-product. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams signaled the future, playing with courage and joy. The defense, often less celebrated, was strong and composed under pressure. Overall, Spain’s team spirit and tactical clarity stood out.

What This Means for England

England reached back-to-back European Championship finals, a significant achievement. While falling just short again is painful, the progress is real. They showed resilience, depth, and a strong mentality in the knockouts, coming from behind multiple times and handling penalty drama with confidence.

Going forward, England can build on this. The squad is full of talent. The key step is to make attacking play more fluid from the start of games, not only after going behind or making substitutions. If they can blend their defensive structure with a faster, more connected attack, they will remain contenders in the next tournaments.

How Spain’s Style Won the Key Moments

The difference between good teams and champions is often found in key moments. Spain consistently won those moments. When games became tense, they did not panic. They found smart passes, used the width of the pitch, and took shots with confidence. Their wide players forced defenders into difficult choices, and their midfielders supported attacks while staying in shape to stop counters.

In the final, Spain’s first goal came from quick, precise movement and a calm finish. After England equalized, Spain did not retreat. They continued to believe they could create one more chance. When it came, they were ready. Oyarzabal’s late winner summed up Spain’s tournament: intelligent runs, clean technique, and a cool head under pressure.

Coaching and Mindset

Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente deserves credit for clear ideas and trust in his players. He allowed young talents to shine and asked the whole team to defend and attack as a unit. His changes during matches were timely and effective. The result was a group that looked comfortable with the plan and with each other.

Gareth Southgate’s England also showed strong leadership. The squad believed in themselves, and the substitutions made a real impact during the knockout rounds. The final was decided by very small margins. England’s growth under Southgate is evident in their consistent deep runs at major tournaments. The next step is turning those runs into a trophy.

The Role of Youth and Experience

Euro 2024 highlighted how important it is to mix young energy with veteran experience. Spain showed this balance perfectly. Their seasoned players kept the team organized and calm, while the younger players brought speed, unpredictability, and fearlessness. The combination made them hard to read and hard to stop.

England had a similar blend. Young stars like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka delivered big moments, while leaders like Harry Kane and Kyle Walker provided stability. Football at this level moves fast, and teams that can refresh themselves while keeping a strong core tend to stay competitive over many years.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next

For Spain, the focus turns to staying at the top. The Nations League and World Cup qualifying will test their consistency, and other teams will study how to slow their wingers and disrupt their midfield rhythm. If Spain keep their balance between control and speed, they will remain one of the favorites for future tournaments.

For England, the path is clear: keep the strong mentality, sharpen the attacking patterns, and use the depth of the squad. Their recent record of reaching semifinals and finals suggests that a major trophy is possible. Learning from this near miss will be important. Turning good spells into complete performances should be the target.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won UEFA Euro 2024? Spain won, defeating England 2-1 in the final in Berlin.

Who scored in the final? Spain’s goals came from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal. England’s goal was scored by Cole Palmer.

Where was the final played? The final took place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.

Who was named Player of the Tournament? Rodri of Spain received the Player of the Tournament award for his outstanding performances in midfield.

Who was the top scorer? Dani Olmo won the top scorer award with three goals, thanks to tie-breakers such as assists and minutes played.

Who was the best young player? Lamine Yamal of Spain won the Young Player of the Tournament after an extraordinary campaign at just 16 years old.

How many European titles has Spain won now? Four, more than any other nation. They won in 1964, 2008, 2012, and 2024.

Simple Takeaways for New Fans

Spain were the best team throughout Euro 2024. They combined control, speed, and skill, and they stayed calm in pressure moments. Their young players played without fear, and their experienced players guided the team through tight games. This is how you win major tournaments—by being strong in every department and by believing you will find a way in the big moments.

England were close. They defended well, showed heart, and produced late drama when it mattered most. They made excellent use of substitutes, and several players had standout performances. Falling just short hurts, but reaching the final again shows a high level that they can build upon.

Conclusion

So, who won UEFA Euro 2024? Spain did, and they did it with style. Their 2-1 victory over England in the final capped a perfect tournament in which they won every match. It was a triumph built on clear tactics, smart coaching, and a balanced squad that blended youth and experience. Spain lifted their fourth European Championship, setting a new standard for success in this competition.

For football fans, Euro 2024 delivered everything: tension, quality, and unforgettable moments. It also gave us new stars to follow and familiar faces to appreciate in a new light. Spain’s win is a story of renewal and excellence, while England’s journey is a story of resilience and hope. As the next international cycle begins, both teams will aim even higher. For now, Spain stand on top of Europe—deserved champions of UEFA Euro 2024.