The 1960 European Nations Cup was the first-ever UEFA European Football Championship, where National Association Football teams from Europe competed to be crowned champions. It marked the beginning of a prestigious competition that has since become one of the most significant events in international football.

Only 17 of UEFA’s 33 member nations at that time entered. Major fooball teams England, the Netherlands, West Germany and Italy did not enter. The qualifying tournament involved the teams playing three rounds home-and-away games, with the final four playing off in France in knockout semi-finals.

The semi-finals were France versus Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia versus the Soviet Union. In the final, the Soviets defeated Yugoslavia 2-1.

Trivia

  • The UEFA European Nations Cup changed to the current name, UEFA European Championship, in 1968.