In a bid to accommodate potential challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and ensure greater flexibility for participating nations, UEFA has announced an expansion in squad sizes for Euro 2024, scheduled to be held in Germany in June and July.
According to a source close to UEFA’s executive committee, “teams competing in Euro 2024 will now have the option to select squads ranging from 23 to 26 players.
“This expansion comes as a contrast to the previous European Championship in 2021, where “squads consisted of 26 players but three individuals were not permitted to participate, instead watching from the sidelines.”
The decision to increase squad sizes from the standard 23 players to up to 26 is a response to the challenges posed by the pandemic and the potential complications of squad members contracting COVID-19.
This move aligns with FIFA’s decision to allow expanded squads at the 2022 World Cup, recognizing the need for flexibility in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
However, it remains to be seen whether all national team coaches will opt for the maximum number of players. Some, like France’s head coach Didier Deschamps, have expressed reservations about naming larger squads “solely for the sake of it.” Deschamps highlighted statistics showing that, “on average, four players in a squad do not play at all during a major tournament,” while others see minimal playing time.
Final squad lists for Euro 2024 are required to be submitted to UEFA by June 7, a week before the tournament commences. This expansion in squad sizes provides teams with greater flexibility and options as they prepare to compete for glory on the European stage.
